The Safer Ryedale Partnership is thrilled to be launching the “Young Community Volunteer” (YCV) project, throughout Ryedale, for the third consecutive year.
The competition has gone from strength to strength over the last two years and this year will see many activity days up for grabs for participants – on top of competing for prizes of up to £600 worth of high street vouchers to share between teams.
Rachael Fox-Evans, Children & Young People Development Officer, part of the team co-ordinating the YCV project in Ryedale explained “The YCV project gives young people between the ages of 11 and 17 an opportunity to get involved in fun, exciting projects to benefit Ryedale throughout the school holidays. They form small teams and decide on a project to benefit their community, and carry it out with the help of an adult mentor.”
“Young people not only get the chance to develop imaginative ways of helping communities they live in, but also are engaged in positive activities in the holidays – traditionally a time when boredom can sometimes set in.”
For all who take part there will be prizes. The first prize winners will receive £600 in high street vouchers to share between team mates, second and third prizes are £300 and £150 respectively, and all taking part will receive £10 of HMV vouchers and a free organised activity day. Activity prizes donated by local businesses include a day out at Flamingo Land .
Over the past two years there has been a fabulous array of inventive and worthwhile projects undertaken by young people in Ryedale. There have been market stalls organised by two groups to raise money for Next Steps mental health organisation in Norton, and a group supporting the Helmsley in Bloom campaign. Another highlight has been the production of a video entitled `CRIME DOESN`T PAY`, produced to show in schools and educate pupils on the consequences of criminal behaviour. A huge amount of money has also been raised over both years to put towards a play area in Foxholes.
Mick Wingrove of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has been Project Managing the campaign since its launch in 2006. “One of the main aims of the project is to raise self-esteem and confidence in young people and promote good citizenship by providing positive activity in the local community.”
“Last years winning team raised money and erected facilities on an allotment for Ryedale Special families. They also organised a series of events to raise money for the charity and all taking part got a lot out of the work”.
Trident, recognised countrywide for its work with young people, is supporting the competition. “Also on offer is the Trident Personal Challenge certificate, for those individuals who wish to take up that option. This is awarded to an individual who achieves a personal challenge within the project”. These certificates will make an impressive addition to any young person`s Records of Achievement. “
To get involved in the project is simple. Young people aged 11-17 form teams of between two to five members and need at least one responsible adult to act as a mentor. The adult team members can be a parent of one of the team members, a teacher, youth leader a classroom support person or a learning mentor. All mentors will receive support in working with young people and attend a free awareness-raising event in child protection issues.
Y.C.V teams keep a record of their progress in their project diary, which will be judged – by a panel including young people - at the end of the year. A special awards ceremony will occur later in the year to showcase the young people’s efforts in front of their parents, peers and community, and also to award prizes. Application forms have been distributed to all secondary schools or through contact details at bottom of page.
Mick advised;
“All at Safer Ryedale look forward to what this years competition holds”. “To receive an application pack Look at www.ryedale.gov.uk, text us on 07801902891, E-mail
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or phone Gail on 01653 600666 ext 214”.
