ENYP’s (East Norwich Youth Project) successful dance project, Dance Off! has not only seen the dance aspect develop but has also established a number of outreach groups.
Kate Doran-Smith, Youth Worker for ENYP, said “We’re excited about the growth in activities and amazed at opportunities that God opens for us with these outreach groups. We listen to our community and try to provide something that meets their needs”.
Cool off! is one of these groups which started after discussions with young people who said they would like an all girls group that tackled issues surrounding becoming a young woman, but was also a fun, safe place to go on a Friday night and welcoming enough for them to bring their friends to. After one session one of the young people said “I think it's great to socialise and be able to talk confidently to the group without the fear of being judged, or laughed at. Respect is a big word, and I believe that everyone shows that, which makes every person feel comfortable and that they belong”.
Another said “I’ve only been to one session but I had a brilliant time! Everybody gets involved and it is just a chance to meet new people. I like the fact that we can also speak to each other openly about problems or just to have a talk. It’s a great opportunity to just ‘cool off’ and relax with mates”.
Cool Off! runs monthly to support young women in their transition from childhood to adolescence, and will informally educate them through relevant, helpful and wholesome activiti
es. Sessions before Christmas will focus on diet/cookery, skin care, make-up and fashion.
On the fitness theme, and through requests by parents, they have also developed a Ladeez fitness group which offers a fortnightly sessions for mums. These recognise the barriers that mums face in accessing fitness classes (cost, location, childcare arrangements) and offers low-cost fitness opportunities with a crèche in the local area. The group is designed to get to know others better, have fun and improve health and well-being. One mum said “Ladeez gives busy Mums a chance to get and keep fit while the kids are at school and having a crèche for the little ones is a bonus! Affordable price and fun with friends”.
ENYP has also developed opportunities for young people to access accredited educational opportunities through its Arts Award group. From this term this will be both the silver award (NQF Level 2), and bronze award (NQF Level 1). Arts Award is suitable for any young person aged 11-25 who would like to stretch themselves creatively and artistically by trying new things and learning more about any existing interests. Participants complete a portfolio of evidence and take part in a range of workshops, events and personal challenges, either through ENYP or independently.
Young people who took part in the Arts Award Bronze level last academic year said “it has made me more confident and I find it easier to talk to a group of people. I found it very enjoyable as I learnt a lot of new skills and also it has helped me to be more creative and develop my art skills, and also it was fun to do something of our choice but also learn a few other techniques”. Another said “Arts Award has really helped me to see where my strengths are and where I would benefit from improving, I really enjoyed Arts Award and it gave me a great opportunity to make new friends”.
More information about Dance Off!, Cool Off!, Ladeez and Arts Award can be found on the website; www.enyp.org.uk or by contacting Kate; kdoransmith@enyp.org.uk
