Story: Brent Moya
Photos:Ange Whichelow
Local youngsters are being invited to express their creative sides with SPLAT, a drop-in arts and crafts group aimed at 8-13 year olds.
Sessions take place on Wednesdays from 3.30 – 5.30pm as part of Christchurch’s youth provision and cover everything from glass painting to sweet making. There is an open access policy allowing participants to come and go as they please while the group also welcomes people from all backgrounds regardless of religion or ethnicity.
I spoke to local resident Lydia Flanagan (pictured right) who has been helping out at Christchurch and who set up the Splat project. She explained that Hendrik Klaver, the youth leader wanted to get young people and young adults involved in leadership. “I started going to the group aged 11 and spent many happy years there so when I was asked by Hendrik to help out I jumped at the chance,"
Lydia is now doing leadership training and is volunteering as a part time trainee. She explained her motivation for getting involved:
“Arts and crafts is something I’m very passionate about. I’d like to think I’m inspiring kids to be creative which gives me a great feeling.”
Hendrik was full of praise for Lydia’s work:
“Lydia has a real gift of working with children and young people. The children love Lydia and follow her around. It is a real privilege to be involved in helping someone like Lydia to develop her leadership skills and qualities further.”
For more information on SPLAT or to get involved contact Hendrik Klaver on 07771 590 034 or email him at hendrik@christchurchpitsmoor.com
The next Splat sessions will be 30th September and 14th October.