Groundwork North East & Cumbria and partners hosted a free activity day for young people in Peterlee
Nearly 100 young people from Peterlee enjoyed a free, action-packed activity day at East Durham College this Easter, organised and hosted by Groundwork NE & Cumbria.
The event was delivered in partnership with Peterlee Town Council, StreetGames, East Durham College, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Durham County Council, Newcastle United Foundation and Youth Print, organisations committed to supporting young people and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The event took place on Friday 10th April and gave young people a wide range of exciting things to do to keep them active, have fun, try new activities and gain new skills.
As well as the activities, free food and refreshments were provided for all the young people together with opportunities to win prizes from partner organisations including the Newcastle United Foundation and StreetGames who supported the event.
Activities included:
- Zorbing, where participants moved around inside giant inflatable balls, zorbs
- Darts football and boxing
- Inflatable Slide and Bootcamp assault course
- Bike maintenance workshops delivered by Recyke y’bike
- Silent Disco
The event was aimed primarily at young people aged 11 -17, with both individuals and youth groups in attendance. Younger children also attended accompanied by an adult.
This was the fourth school holiday event delivered by the partners over the past two years, held at different venues across Peterlee. All events have been extremely popular, with hundreds of attendees.
East Durham College was chosen as the venue for this Easter’s event as it provided excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, ensuring activities could go ahead whatever the weather.
The events were shaped by feedback from young people with activities like zorbing and darts introduced in direct response to their requests. Young people who attended Friday’s event were asked for feedback to help shape future sessions.
Commenting on this Easter’s event, staff at Groundwork NE & Cumbria said: “We’re delighted that the event was such a huge success. Feedback from young people who attended was extremely positive and we’re proud to have worked with our partners to deliver another exciting event for young people in Peterlee.
“These events are designed to give young people positive opportunities during the school holidays and to combat holiday hunger with free food and refreshments on offer throughout the session. Feedback from the attendees on the day will help shape future events.”
Quotes from some of the participants: “I’d like to do this more often, it’s so fun” Perdi, age 12
“It’s been really fun and made me really happy. I’m happy that I’ve come along today.” Sophie, age 11
“It’s the most fun I’ve had over the 2 weeks holiday. I’m having loads of fun and even tried out cricket.” Amelia, age 12
“I’m part of the Peterlee youth group. I’ve got involved in everything today. I’ve tried zorbing, football, I’ve even had my bike fixed and had a go on the smoothie bike. It’s been class and much better than sitting in the house or helping my dad with the garden.” Harrison, age 13
Anna, Street Games Network Lead said: “The event was a great community celebration that brought together the people of Peterlee. Street Games is all about making sure we have sports available on the doorstep and as a charity partner for Team GB, we were able to give free sportswear to young people who attended.”