Youth Inclusion Project

Fifteen young people from Henbury and Brentry took part in a trip to Snowdonia this August, as part of an initiative organised by PC Nick Merrick, Henbury School Beat Manager, with assistance from Polly Hancock of Henbury Youth Inclusion Project (YIP), Kate Hillier of Henbury School, and not forgetting Nick’s wife, Lisa.

The 3-day residential included an ascent of Mount Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in England and Wales. Scaling all 3,560 metres was a huge achievement for everyone who made it to the summit. The group stayed at the Blue Peris mountain centre in picturesque rural North Wales, near the small town of Llanberis. When they were not battling rough terrain, thick mist and rain, the young people enjoyed team challenges and games at the centre and one or two ghost stories!

The young people had never climbed a mountain before and despite hostile weather conditions, they all persevered to the top. They even had energy left over to play hide and seek far into the night. The staff, however, chose to opt out of this game!

One young climber, Chloe, described the trip as one of the best things she had done all summer and wished she could have stayed for a whole week. However, she also insists she will not be climbing any more mountains in a hurry! One grateful parent also said that she often dreads the school summer holiday and really appreciates activities like this one that keep the kids occupied and off the streets.

As well as this residential trip, PC Nick Merrick worked all summer long taking young people on a variety of other trips as part of the Henbury Area Project for Play and Youth (HAPPY) initiative. Activities ranged from golf lessons to horse stable management, and sea fishing to amusement parks. Henbury YIP also appreciated Nick’s help during summer open sessions at Brentry Lodge Youth Centre, when he ran cookery sessions for young people with a ‘world of food’ theme, introducing young people to new flavours and ingredients.

Henbury YIP provides one-to-one support for young people, but also works with other local agencies to provide new experiences and challenges to inspire, boost self-esteem and divert young people away from anti-social behaviour. The YIP runs regular open sessions at Brentry Lodge Youth Centre on Machin Road, where ALL young people aged 12-17 are welcome. During term time, we are open for Manic Monday from 5:00-8:00 and Wicked Wednesday from 3:30-6:00.

Karen Thorn is Henbury YIP’s Project Coordinator and she or any of her team are happy to answer any questions you may have: give the office a call on 0117 377 3658, or pop in to see us at Brentry Lodge.