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Community Youth Work - Horsham Matters

Now in its 5th year the Community Youth Work team at Horsham Matters runs over 16 regular youth clubs and groups across the Horsham District, with over 700 young people attending and 40 volunteers supporting the activities.

It’s been quite a journey to get to this point but one that has been worth every minute. 
Without the support of 12 Parish and Neighbourhood Councils within the Horsham District, volunteers, local churches, many local community groups, other youth workers, the Police, colleagues within the District and County Councils and grant funders this would not have been possible.

Our aim is to provide safe and positive environments for young people to spend time together - try new things and develop into positive members of society.

In an ever-challenging and changing world, young people tell us that they would like to be heard and listened to about the things that are important to them. They appreciate having a space to discuss issues in a non-judgemental and understanding way with trusted adults and enjoy face to face interaction with other young people and an opportunity to have fun.
Our team of youth workers and youth volunteers provide information and support as well as fun activities where young people can enjoy being together away from parents and other siblings.

Our activities are youth led and we ask for input from the young people about what they would like to do.  For some young people this could be cooking, craft or sport, for others just a time to sit down over a cup of tea and relax.

A 16 year old young person from Steyning youth club recently wrote….
"Youth club so far has been a great experience. The people there are so welcoming. I was very anxious about going to a new place because I never really fit in anywhere, but even the people that attend youth club too are lovely, I have made some lovely friends.
Their BINGO nights are my favourite. Besides all their fun nights they are a great support system for anything you are worrying about. They will listen to any of your worries and try to offer support or point you in the right direction for support.

If you are having a bad day the youth workers will try to put you in a positive mood. There is such a brilliant positive vibe from youth cub. Youth club is my second home."
With clubs for different age groups running throughout the week find out more by following us on twitter @CommunityYW, visit http://horsham-matters.org.uk/events/ or email emma.edwards@horsham-matters.org.uk

Without the help of local volunteers many of our activities would not be possible.  So – if you would like to be a positive influence in the lives of young people, you have a particular skill you could share or you just have the time to invest, please do get in touch. Many of our volunteers enjoy the benefits of giving back to their communities and making a big difference.  One volunteer said that “volunteering is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience.  Being able to chat to the children and listen to their stories and try and help in any way I can is really satisfying.  The team do a fantastic job and I know the kids absolutely love it”.

Recently Horsham Matters Community Youth Work team produced their 2016-2017 annual review.  We thought this was something that many people would like to read about so please check out http://horsham-matters.org.uk/youth-work/downloads/ for your copy.

Thorpe Park Trip

Some of the Community Youth Work team at a recent Team Day

Contact for more information: 
Liz Burt, Youth Projects Manager
E: liz.burt@horsham-matters.org.uk
T: 0300 124 0204 / 07702597204


Horsham Matters Ltd, Tanfield Garage, Guildford Road, Horsham West Sussex, RH12 1LT
Registered Charity No. 1116253
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