OUR teenagers are sometimes accused of being apathetic or worse. But members of the Youth Forum are proving that stereotype wrong through a series of exciting projects to improve the town.
Young people in Mablethorpe, Trusthorpe and Sutton on Sea have been showcasing their talents through graffiti art to brighten up the seating area on the seafront.
The Youth Forum was put together as it was felt that through the Neighbourhood Management consultations, no young people attended the events and through partnership working the Youth Forum was formed.
Youth Forum members have also been out with ELDC Chief Executive, Nigel Howells highlighting their issues to help tidy up the area, as well as organising gigs and trips for young people.
The efforts of the Youth Forum have been praised by Paddy Prince Senior Youth Development Worker – Children’s Services and also town councillor.
He said: "Young people can get a negative press because of the actions of a minority, so it’s great that such positive things are happening here in Mablethorpe."
He added "The forum has only been running since January, which makes its achievements even more impressive."
Debbie Prince, East Lindsey District Council’s Neighbourhood Projects Officer, said: "It’s important that young people help Mablethorpe to grow and develop. "Young people are clearly passionate about this town and it’s great to involve them in the projects taking place to improve Mablethorpe, giving them a real sense of pride for the area in which they live.
Helen Duffy, Lincolnshire County Council’s youth arts co-ordinator for East Lindsey described the Mablethorpe group as "full of ideas and energy – and determined to make a difference working alongside the local members of the neighbourhood management board "
The youth forum was launched on 26 January to give young people a voice about issues in Mablethorpe, Trusthorpe and Sutton on Sea.
It is supported by the ELDC Neighbourhood Management Team, Children’s Services, Mablethorpe Town Council and the Neighbourhood Policing Team.
LCC Children’s Services and the ELDC Neighbourhood Management Team have even given a total of £1,000 to two projects highlighted by the Youth Forum.
The cash grants followed impressive presentations by Youth Forum members to a panel of local judges.
They decided to donate £500 to a project using professional graffiti art to revamp the seating area along the seafront. The initiative also offers the opportunity for young people aged from 11 to 25 to gain a national qualification.
The young people are working with the graffiti artist on Saturday May 3 on the shelters on the sea front from 11:00am – 4:00pm and we are looking for young people to design artwork for the graffiti boards and work with the graffiti artist, so if you are interested please contact Debbie Prince on 01507 329567.
A further £500 has been given to the youth forum to stage gigs for young people. The first took place at Tennyson High School in April.
The two other projects highlighted by the young people – to tidy up the High Street and to arrange visits like swimming and bowling trips – also impressed the judges, and will now get community backing.
An application by forum members for cash to kickstart the visits project even attracted £700 from the Youth Opportunity Fund, which helped get the scheme up and running.
To find out more about the Mablethorpe Youth Forum, please contact Helen Duffy, youth arts co-ordinator for East Lindsey, on 07825521720 or e-mail helen.duffy@lincolnshire.gov.uk
For further information about the tidy up, contact Debbie Prince, neighbourhood projects officer, on 01507 329567 or e-mail debbie.prince@e-lindsey.gov.uk
The Youth Forum meets regularly at the community room in the Mablethorpe Community Access Point and Library, Stanley Avenue, Mablethorpe. For more information, contact (Debbie Prince, 01507 329567) or email (debbie.prince@e-lindsey.gov.uk). The next youth forum is on Wednesday 21 May at 7:00pm at Mablethorpe Community Access Point and Library, Stanley Avenue in Mablethorpe.
