Christian faith, leading the way, local community, teamwork, the basic rules, the little ones, youth engagement, Youth Group,
The Southall based Victory Youth Group (VYG) and members of Heston’s Big Local Youth Action Team joined forces recently to effect a big clean up in the streets around Cranford Community College. In all, 27 youngsters aged from nine to 27 took part, with parents accompanying the little ones. The result was deemed a big success.
As with all good joint initiatives, the day started with an ice breaking game, so that attendees could introduce themselves and learn about each other by sharing their personal ‘fun facts’ (like winning a maths award, for example).
Next, the volunteers were taught the basic rules for their shared community street clean up and how to behave as a group, to ensure that the work would be enjoyable and everyone would be safe and well protected.
Wearing high vis jackets and yellow t-shirts, the youths then hit the streets, armed with water and hats, because the day was hot and sunny, and carrying the necessary equipment for the job, which Hounslow council provided. While the work was going on, some local residents expressed their appreciation of the effort being made, and a few drivers even stopped to ask about the activity.
Over a ‘thank you’ lunch back in Cranford Community College the youngsters received Community Champion Certificates from the organisers – Nancy Sidibe of the Southall UCKG HelpCentre, where the VYG is based and Taz Virdee from Big Local Youth Action.
Taz Virdee said: “I was amazed to see we had 27 volunteers supporting us… It was wonderful.” “…the younger generation was leading the way to a better community, added Nancy Sidibe.
Others commented that after the past week’s tragic events (at nearby Grenfell Tower), it was great to build community spirit and that this event was a great way to bring communities closer together.
The VYG’s involvement was under the banner of their annual ‘We Care! – Youth Engagement initiative, in which VYG groups around the country put something back into their communities, largely through environmental activities.
ENDS
Notes to editors
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith through its branches in England and Wales.
VYG is the youth arm of the UCKG HelpCentre, and works to help young people develop their full potential. VYG started in the UK in 1996 and has been growing steadily ever since. Over 1,300 young people attend VYG meetings every week, sharing sessions that include practical teaching, fun and spiritual development.
The Big Local Youth Action Team actively participates in the work of the Heston West Community Partnership, engage with public decision making and inspire other young people while developing team work and communication skills. Youth Action Team members are aged 11 – 19yrs, and receive guidance and training while participating in projects that benefit the local community.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckg.org or direct line 020 7686 6033, or call the PR consultant on 07867 510909.
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