Callington Youth Club working to fight anti-social behaviour

The Groundworks South Trust are a national charity who bring transformative development to deprived communities. They received a grant of £5,000 from the Commissioner’s Community Grant Scheme to expand their Youth Club for young people of Callington to spend time with like-minded peers to divert them from participating in anti-social behaviour (ASB).

This projectA piece of work that delivers an output. was born from the funding and initiative of the #iwill movement where young people are encouraged to engage in a social action project. This project involved working outdoors to clear and rejuvenate an green space to allow more accessibility for community residents within the area. The funding was also spent on making the Youth Club an attractive place for young people to spend their time, this included the purchase of electronics, pool table, board games, food, and also for members to undertake training with an accredited GB boxing coach (pictured).
This funding also went toward to employment of a youth worker whose main role was to have discussions with the members regarding the issues of ASB, substance misuse and mental health concerns.

Case Study:

Joe had experienced problems misusing substances and his family environment was somewhat unstable, recently moved from Wokingham to Callington as he experienced bullying from students at School and College and he mentioned that many of these people had taken advantage of him. He states that the area he was living in was not conducive to his mental health and that he pretty much spent 24 hours a day in his room.

His relationship with his Dad was strained and somewhat volatile. He mentioned that he finds it challenging to make friends. He credits the #iwill project as a way of re-integrating back into society. He states that he was severely isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic and joined #iwill initially to make friends. Joe’s commitment and attendance has been impeccable and a core reason for a great deal of success on the project. He has helped shape green spaces in the local community, and as such, this has helped him with managing his anxiety and depression.

Feedback from beneficiary:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the support and belief you have shown to us in delivering this very valuable project. It has had a direct positive effect on the young people of SE Cornwall. We had managed to create a well-accessed Youth Provision which had community interest at it’s heart. This would not have been possible with your support, so thank you.”