While many people are jetting off for summer breaks abroad, a group of Chester-le-Street youngsters are about to start their school holidays by clearing up their local community.
The volunteers, from the Brockwell Centre at Pelton Fell, are all taking part in a programme of summer environmental activities organised by Durham County Council’s civic pride officers.
The young green teams will kick off with a DVD showing – but, far from the latest movie release, they’ll be watching the environmental film ‘open your eyes,’ followed by a quiz and then a litter pick in woods close to Henley Avenue.
Civic pride officer Helen Douglas believes the summer programme with a difference, will be very popular:” I am constantly amazed by the enthusiasm of the young people throughout County Durham, in keeping their communities tidy.
“I know many young people care passionately about where they live and really enjoy these opportunities to make a difference.
“The programme gives them the chance to learn new skills and help improve the appearance of their local community, creating a cleaner and greener county for everyone.”
The first activity will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 29 July, 10.00am – 12noon at the Brockwell Centre, Craghead Road in Pelton Fell.
The following activities have also been organised for young people at the youth club during August: -
Thursday, 5 August – Environmental craft sessions
Thursday, 12 August – Gardening activity
Thursday, 19 August – Trip to Seaham for beach clean-up with coastal rangers
Durham County Council Civic Pride Officers will be leading the sessions with support from neighbourhood wardens, youth workers and young people from the area. The activity programme is part of the ’14 for 14’ scheme run by the council, which promotes environmental activities across the 14 Area Action Partnerships set up by the authority on April 1 2009, to protect grassroots democracy.
Anyone interested in taking part in the activity should contact Carl Brough, Youth Coordinator on 0191 389 3399 to register.
