CELEBRATING THE YOUTH IN REDBRIDGE

LOCSP Press Release: Tuesday 7 July 2009

CELEBRATING THE YOUTH IN REDBRIDGE
Leyton Orient showcase work in Newbury Park

Newbury Park, London – The London Borough of Redbridge Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) team hosted a celebration and presentation evening last Wednesday at the Holiday Inn hotel, Newbury Park for groups, clubs and individuals who have benefitted from the funding to present and showcase what they have spent their allocated money on.

The night featured a plethora of displays including dance troupes, rappers and beat-boxers whilst there were up to 20 stands highlighting the work the awardees do in Redbridge.

Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) were invited to showcase their work as part of their continuing partnership work with Redbridge Council through the YOF.

Thanks to the YOF funding LOCSP have been developing multi-sports sessions in the Rivenhall Estate on the Snaresbrook/Wanstead border in response to the needs and requests of the young people who live there, with the sessions named 'Skillz R Us'.

YOF funding is dependent on an initial application submitted by a young person and 14-year-old Dorian Glover who lives on the Rivenhall Estate took on this responsibility, completing the successful application.

Alongside Dorian, Saif Shah, 14 from Wanstead, was also present at the event.

Saif has been compiling the 'Skillz R Us' folder; a diary of events from its conception to current day. The folder highlights the feelings of the children on the estate and include photos and other evidence that the YOF funding is being put to good use.

Howard Gould, LOCSP Redbridge Community Development Officer said:
"It was terrific event, hosted superbly and certainly an eye-opener in respect of what work the YOF actually do.

“The diversity of talent and effort of the young people was a pleasure to witness and that obviously includes our boys who presented a fine diary and photo record of their sessions.

“We will have to re-apply soon as our funding runs out but this has spurred us all on to make sure it is another successful bid!

“The sessions at Rivenhall cater for a regular 20 local young people aged 6-15 years old who would otherwise have nowhere to go due to the lack of local facilities.

“Thankfully, agencies like YOF make it possible for these young people to participate and help with their personal and sporting development".

Photo Caption (l-r): Howard Gould LOCSP Redbridge Community Development Officer, Saif Shah, Dorian Glover and Richard Oloyede, LOCSP Community Development Coach.

For more information about LOCSP sessions in Redbridge please contact Howard Gould, LOCSP Redbridge Community Development Officer on 020 8556 5973, email howard.gould@locsp.org or visit the website at http://www.locsp.org/.