Bradford youngsters go in at the deep end (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Volunteers join The Summer Of A Lifetime, part of the National Citizen Service Programme
10:00am Wednesday 8th August 2012 in News
By Jessica Nightingale, T&A Reporter
Young volunteers on The Summer Of A Lifetime project take to the water in the Lake District
A group of young volunteers in the Bradford district have an action-packed summer of activities designed to make a difference to the local community.
About 60 young people are taking part in The Summer Of A Lifetime, which is part of the National Citizen Service Programme aiming at bringing youngsters from all backgrounds together, taking on new challenges and delivering projects to benefit the community.
The group has already taken part in a week-long outdoor residential course and is now working in small teams on projects for the local community.
One is raising money for children’s charity Barnardo’s and has organised a number of fundraising activities, including a sponsored bike ride and planning an under-18s event at a nightclub.
Volunteer Melanie Yeadon said: “It’s great knowing that you do can make a difference to other young people’s lives. We’ve been working hard as a team and we all really want to make this happen.”
The project has been organised by Bradford Council Youth Services.
Barnardo’s Yorkshire works with more than 13,000 children, young people and their families in 78 specialised projects in communities across the region.
Another group is planning to re-paint the outside of the Canterbury Arc Youth and Community Centre, alongside Keighley Volunteers Bureau, Bradford Council Youth Service and community members.
After painting is completed, the volunteers will hold a fun day for local residents at the centre on Thursday, August 30.
Steve Oversby, director of Barnardo’s Yorkshire, said: “The funds they raise will be used to help other children, young people and their families.”
Councillor Ralph Berry , Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “It’s tremendous that so many young people in Bradford are giving their own time over the summer to support their community and make a real difference to other people’s lives.”
