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YOUNG PEOPLE

Sadly, because there was so little interest and support from the community, the Stanleys Youth Group could no longer be sustained by

those who started it all up and worked hard to keep it going.

The Stanleys Youth Group are writing to the community to let them know the current position of the SYG which for the time being is NOT going to re-open in September. Briefly, this is because there are insufficient helpers to ensure the drop-in sessions which have organised activities can be safely & effectively controlled. It is hoped to arrange a PUBLIC MEETING in October when young people, parents & organisations can voice their views.

The Parish Council minuted this information at its September meeting:

1. Stanleys Youth Group will not meet again. 60/70 letters had gone out to parents et al with only 3 responses & no offers of help to keep it running. The committee is to meet soon to arrange disposal of the assets. Extremely disappointing and sad news, especially after local efforts made to start it up & the relative success it had then enjoyed in its 18 months of operation.

Parish Councillors and others from King's Stanley Parish and Leonard Stanley Parish are STILL working on ways to make it more enjoyable for young people living in The Stanleys.

If there are any queries for information or suggestions, please contact Parish Council Chairman David Hauser on 825259 in the first instance.

One idea being discussed is that KS Village Green Bus Shelter could do with an interior make-over due to the attentions of graffiti "artists". The Parish Council has been asked to remove it but prefers to keep it as it is a proper shelter. If you think you could help improve matters by painting it up inside, perhaps with some kind of attractive mural, please contact Parish Cllr Mrs Lesley Williams on 822684.

The future of the Stanleys Youth Group was discussed at the March 2008 Parish Council Meeting with Members of Leonard Stanley Parish Council.

The SYG could do with help with the following:

A Volunteer Bank of people prepared to give practical help at sessions;
Fund-raising (this could be using the internet and writing applications - Parishioner J Kendall can supply names of at least 5 places to secure funding)
General administration
Purchasing tuck/consumables
Developing Policy
Research
Arranging weekly programme
Managing premises
Satisfying Health & Safety
Risk Assessment
Staff matters

These are items that need not require you to put in appearances every week, just a bit of extra practical help that may be just what is needed by the small team currently struggling with these practical issues and trying to keep the young people safe and happily occupied.

The first STANLEYS YOUTH GROUP Session was from 7.30-9.30 at Leonard Stanley Scout HQ Tuesday 6th March 2007- hopefully many more to come!
The organisers are trying to establish a properly formed Youth Club to run its own activities. It now has its own bank account.
MORE ADULT HELPERS ARE REQUIRED TO HELP LEAD SOME ACTIVITIES. DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP?
Organisers hope to take activities outside whenever possible.
Meetings continue at LS Scout HQ on Tuesday evenings.
Organisers would like to have sessions in Kings Stanley Village Hall which is proving difficult because of this venue's popularity - but still trying!
Thanks to all helpers who would occasionally like to take a break, go on holiday!

KSPC is extremely grateful for generous help, freely given by parishioners whose contributions are often overlooked. As very many family members now work outside the home, fewer people feel able to help their own communities directly but in the Stanleys many people feel they want to put something back.

Members are looking for more such people to help drive forward initiatives or projects, particularly for young people. Please get in touch with David Hauser on 825259.

AND FINALLY

Gloucestershire Nightstop is, writes Sheila Gardner, a very small charity doing its best to keep homeless young people from around the County ending up on the streets of Gloucester. For more information contact Sheila at Gloucestershire Nightstop on
01452 331330
07765 080706
Fax 01452 331330
City Works
Alfred Street
Gloucester
GL1 4DF

Have you seen our new website?
www.gloucestershirenightstop.org.uk