Praise for FST funded youth activities in Dudley
Posted on Wed 02 September 2009
Youth group is a wonder!
2:30pm Thursday 16th April 2009 Dudley News
A GROUP of Netherton teenagers have been recognsied for their commitment to the community.
The St Andrews Youth PACT, which is the only youth PACT in the area, formed 12 months a go and meet once a week at the St Andrews Community Hub in Bush Road.
The group , who are aged 13-19, approached youth worker Carl Hutton saying they wanted to put something back into the community.
Since forming, the group has undertaken litter picks in the Saltwells and Bumblehole areas, taken pensioners out on trips to Blackpool and pantomimes and mentored younger children on residential trips.
Mr Hutton said: “They love doing it. They constantly want to do more and I can’t keep up with them now!”
The kind-hearted youngsters have also taken over the tending of war graves in St Andrews churchyard after the former 84-year-old tender began to find it hard to maintain them.
As well as making the community a better place to live, the team also make videos of what they think needs to be done in the area and takes them to PACT meetings to show police.
The young people have also started attending Central Dudley Area Committee to make sure young voices are heard.
In recognition of the hard work they put into the community, week in and week out, they were nominated and won the Sunday Mercury Wondergroup award, which celebrates children who make a difference in their community.
The team was awarded an all expenses trip to Drayton Manor Park, a £500 cheque and a medal each.
Mr Hutton said: “I’m really chuffed for them. They are a really nice group of kids.
“They love doing it and with all this negativity about young people, it is nice to see a group of youngsters achieving.”
The youngsters are now set to join forces with other youth groups in the area in the hope of training them to set up further youth PACTS.
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