A bumper programme of summer activities for young people has kicked off in Plymouth.
Funded by the Youth Investment Fund, the schedule of free events is focussed on getting people aged 11 to 18 engaged in outdoor activities. Based around the city’s famous outdoor swimming pools at Tinside and Mount Wise, as well as inland at Poole Farm in the heart of Derriford Community Park, activities include free swimming sessions and youth clubs.
The council learned it was successful in bidding for a share of the £560 million Youth Investment Fund earlier this year. It means that from coast to countryside parks, more will be on offer for young people to do, with regular out of school activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer all available this summer.
Here’s what’s on:
Tinside Swim Safe Sessions
Every Monday until September 9, one hour sessions, 5pm to 6pm or 6pm to 7pm. Learn how to be safe in the water with opportunities for swimming lessons, snorkelling, junior lifeguarding and SCUBA.
Tinside Youth Night
Every Tuesday until September 10, 6.30pm to 7.30pm. This is an opportunity for young people to enjoy the Lido after the normal closing time. Come and swim or just hang out and enjoy the space with friends.
Mount Wise Swim Safe Sessions
Every Wednesday until September 11, 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Learn how to swim with opportunities for swimming lessons, snorkelling and lifeguarding and SCUBA
Mount Wise Youth Night
Every Thursday until September 12, 6pm to 7pm. An opportunity for young people to enjoy the Lido after the normal closing time. Swim or just hang out and enjoy the space with friends.
Poole Farm Youth Club
Every Thursday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm for ages 10-13 and from 7pm to 8pm for ages 14-19. Make new friends and spend time outdoors at Poole Farm. Feed the animals, learn fire building skills, take part in some outdoor cooking, play games, build dens, explore the woodland.
Poole Farm Special Education Needs Disability group
Every Monday from from 1pm to 3pm. Learn new skills, work on the farm and take part in animal husbandry, gardening, practical conservation, and much more. During this session, participants can work towards digital badges that can enhance their CV. For young people aged 16-18 living with SEND, looking to learn new skills
Poole Farm Seeking Education, Employment or Training group
Every Friday from 10am to 12pm
Go along, learn new skills, work on the farm and take part in animal husbandry, gardening, practical conservation, and much more. During this session, participants can work towards digital badges that can enhance their CV. For aged 16-18 looking to learn new skills
All swimming activities can be booked via Plymouth Active Leisure website here.
Poole Farm events can be booked by emailing: CYTpoolefarm@plymouth.gov.uk
Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member with responsibility for youth services, said:
“I’m so pleased that we can put on these simply wonderful events for young people this summer.
“We live in one of the UK’s most beautiful cities and so to be able to ensure that young people can be immersed in our incredible blue and green spaces, and for free, is really important for their wellbeing now and for their future.”
Youth Investment Fund is funded by the UK Government and is delivered by Social Investment Business, in partnership with Key Fund, National Youth Agency and Resonance. The Youth Investment Fund is part of the Government’s National Youth Guarantee to transform and level up opportunities for young people in England.
The Youth Investment Fund, of over £300 million, aims to build, renovate, or extend youth services in the parts of the country where new spaces and new opportunities are most needed.
