Positive-activity programme to inspire young people rolls on to Louth

Practising street-football skills is just one of the activities on offer for youngsters aged nine to 18 at schools and other venues for the next nine weeks.

Others include dodgeball, table tennis, pool, dance and more, meaning there is something for everyone, whatever their interests.

It’s all part of ‘Beyond’, Lincolnshire County Council’s community programme which promotes positive activity to entice youngsters away from their mobile phone, laptop and TV.

The aim is to help young people build important life-skills and inspire them to play a positive role in their community.

They will also get the chance to join the national Go Lead award, helping them to boost their confidence and leadership attributes.

School sessions started last week and continue every Tuesday to Friday from 3 pm to 8 pm until the end of March.

As well as community events, the county council has teamed up with Louth Academy and King Edward VI Grammar School in Louth to launch a six-week programme specifically for students aged 12 to 14.

A three-week programme will also be offered to year-six classes at all the town’s primary schools.

As well as sport, some sessions use scenario-based activities to help students reflect on how their decisions may affect others, while building emotional resilience, self-awareness, communication and problem-solving skills.

One popular activity sees the pupils take on the role of a town council. As they take turns in a Monopoly-style game, they must choose to allocate their budget on services such as education, crime, and managing green spaces. These decisions affect their ability to respond to instances of anti-social behaviour and the impact they can have on the community.

‘Beyond’ has already been successful in Gainsborough, where it proved a big hit with young people, parents and residents alike.

Between September and December, almost 500 young people took part in the school and community activities.

One parent called the programme “excellent”, adding: “I can't say words good enough to describe what you are doing. Because what would the kids be doing instead? Playing out on the streets or gaming.”

Coun Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for community safety at the county council, said: “It was brilliant to visit one of the ‘Beyond’ park days in Gainsborough and see, first-hand, how much the young people were getting out of the team activities.

“This programme is all about using the power of positive activities to bring young people together and encourage them to take pride in their communities, all while having fun.

“After the brilliant feedback we’ve received in Gainsborough, it’s next stop Louth! If you have teenagers aged between nine and 18, please do seek out these fantastic free activities on your doorstep.”

To find out more about when and where the activities are taking place, follow the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership accounts on Facebook and X, and also its website.

The county council is working closely with local partners, including Lincolnshire’s district councils, Lincolnshire Police, youth groups, local businesses and voluntary and charitable organisations, to improve ‘Beyond’ even more.

If you could offer further opportunities for children and young people within your local community and would like to get involved, please email: [email protected].