Six week’s worth of Street Bus sessions have
been arranged by Peterborough City Council’s, 8-19’s
Service, to give young people the chance to meet new people and
strengthen communities.
The Street Bus initiative aims to break down
the barriers between young people aged six to 19, and members of
their communities, in this case, focusing on Belham Road of New
England.
Rachael Panther, Community Based Youth Worker,
for Peterborough City Council, said: “We are really excited to use
the Street Bus and hope that it will really benefit young people in
the community.
“The aim of the six weeks is to encourage
parents and community members to access the Street Bus to meet
young people in their own environment, share their views about the
issues in the community and for youth workers to be able to
challenge the negative perceptions community members have of young
people.
“This is the first time that we will have used
the Street Bus to focus on such a wide age range of young people at
one time and I am excited to see the impact it will have on both
the community and young people.”
The 8-19’s Service is focusing specifically on
Belham Road as it was raised as an area having issues with
anti-social behaviour and community tensions.
Targeted community based youth work deals
directly with issues such as these. The advantage of using methods
such as the Street Bus is that it is visible to the community,
credible to young people and can be moved to wherever significant
issues are taking place.
During the six weeks delivery, playworkers
will engage with six to12-year-olds and their families, to build
relationships and to provide information about other services in
the area.
For 13 to 19 year olds, detached youth workers
will deliver work around arising issues such as drink and drugs,
risky behaviours, positive relationships, citizenship and being
part of a community.
Councillor
Sheila Scott, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “It
is always really positive to see hands-on work focusing on
community inclusion. The Street Bus will provide a fun and original
method of forming relationships between community members and work
as a real force in addressing issues and concerns.”
For more information please contact Rachael
Panther on (01733) 864507 or email rachael.panther@peterborough.gov.uk
Ends.