A unique new youth group is aiming to steer teens in Shenley away from potential crime and instead towards a positive future.
Committee Youth is a community driven youth project supporting young people from 13 – 19 years old in reaching their potential through an inclusive and cohesive programme of activities based on initiatives, reward, leadership and accountability development.
It’s run by volunteers from a range of backgrounds – residential care, prison officer, project management, councillors, Shenley Parish Council, life coach and lawyers.
The project, which had its pilot event on May 11, provides activities and opportunities for teens who may not be able to afford it themselves.
The group’s soft launch on May 11 at Shenley Park Tea Rooms saw the Committee Youth Champions spraying graffiti on a newly installed graffiti wall.
Jodie Jackson, who runs the committee, said: “I’ve always been passionate about helping local kids, for as long as I can remember.
“I had youth groups growing up and it made all the difference. Kids don’t really have too much to do these days, so they go out and do negative things like smoke, graffiti and get in fights – and we don’t want that for them.
“So we’ve set up this fantastic programme to help make a difference and get these kids using their energy for something positive. The real challenge is getting them interested, because a lot of teenagers will see it as ‘not cool’.
“We’ll get the ball rolling – and once we do, we have plenty of long term plans to support these kids all the way past university, and give them a chance to make a good career and life for themselves.”
You can donate to the group at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/committeeyouth2019 and keep up with the teen’s activities by searching Committee Youth on Facebook.
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