Why I started ‘Chantry Youths OK!’

Being out and around in Chantry late some evenings after meetings I see many children as young as 12 just hanging around the streets.

One night I asked them "Why are you all just hanging around with nothing to do?" They replied, "Look around can you see anything for us to do?" On my walk home I did look around and you know what they had a point!

There is nothing really for teenagers (13-18) to do in Chantry. So if, as the Government says, 'Every Child Matters' why do Chantry children over the age of 13 not matter?????

The Making Tracks centre offers a safe indoor space for 8 to 13 year olds to be involved in constructive activities; painting, cooking, games, strictly controlled internet access, homework etc. Staff provide positive adult role models helping to discourage the young people from anti-social behaviour, crime, drugs and alcohol.

The centre is open each night 5pm – 8pm, including the school holidays. I have been there a few evenings it really is a cosy place and such a lovely atmosphere, I was made very welcome by the staff and the children alike, I wish I was under 13 so I could go there each night!!. All children 8 – 13 years old are welcome.

The youth club, another very friendly place with some great young people attending, is open for 13 – 18 year olds but only on a Monday and Wednesday night from 7.30 – 9.30 and only term time.

One question I asked while I was there one night was “If this was open every night would you come?” The vast majority said yes although a few said there would have to be the occasional themed night or activities for them to do to keep them interested in coming nightly, which is fair enough.

I also asked them “do you think there are enough facilities for the young people of Chantry?” Guess what not one person said YES!

Top answers from a questionnaire I carried out at the Y/C were:- *We just want a place warm and dry were we could meet up and chill out with our mates.

*Have the youth club open more nights and especially during the school holidays.

*Have access to reduced rate sports facilities on the estate, like the rest of Ipswich’s young people.

Simply opening up Stone Lodge would solve the first 2, so I am currently working with local Councillors and looking into the possibility of doing this or looking at other venues in the area if Stone Lodge is always not available.

The 3rd – Children all around town have the option of reduced admission to sports centres in their area through the use of the I-card, our Children of Chantry can not use an I-card at Chantry Sports Centre I personally believe this is prohibiting our children, especially from low income families/families on benefits having access to sports in their own estate.

I would really like to see a Chantry resident’s reduction card put in place so our children have the same access to their local sport centre’s as the rest of Ipswich's Children.

What do you think?

I am running a bebo website to collect information from the young people of chantry http://chantry-youths.bebo.com the young people need to join and take part in the quizzes and polls etc (there are no right or wrong answers this is just my way of getting the essential feed back I need in a way that today’s child can relate to!).

I have attached a questionnaire to this site which would take just 5 minutes to fill in (designed for ages 10-18). You will need to fill it in and save it to your computer then send it to me as an email attachment, kate.CYDI@ntlworld.com

If you have any suggestions or would like to assist me in this work please contact me via the same email address.

Many thanks Kate :o) – ‘Chantry Youths OK!’ Project Leader.