The Council is supporting a number of youth programmes across the Borough aimed at engaging with young people to help them fulfil a brighter future. All programmes are aimed at providing additional youth activity through sports creative art, and learning programmes, focusing on early intervention for young people who are involved, or likely to become involved in anti-social behaviour.
The Flex Diversionary programme is a cross community project developed by Stoneworks Gym based in Antrim. Up to 40 young people of all ages will be targeted to take part in this
Strengthening body and mind project, which will incorporate a range of exercise and educational programmes, including kick boxing, martial arts, and cardiovascular activities.
In Newtownabbey a Creative Diversionary programmed has been established by Newtownabbey Arts and Cultural Network (NACN).
Be Young Be Creative, will cover a diverse range of activities which includes Journalism Workshops, Digital Millennials, Music Production and Vocal Coaching. The young people who successfully complete this project will be rewarded with a residential weekend trip.
A Youth Outreach programme which will target five District Electoral Areas (DEA) across the Borough, Antrim, Glengormley, Airport, Macedon and Crumlin, seeking to involve young people who are currently not engaging with or who don't have access to youth services. Offering training to young people who wish to follow a career in working with young people which includes sport, health awareness including mental health awareness, personal development, group and diversionary activity.
Impact Network Northern Ireland will also benefit from Council support with a project that will equip young people to build and develop life skills that foster good relations, build confidence and resilience, and which will help make them more employable.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Jim Montgomery said “I am pleased the Council are backing these initiatives which will greatly benefit both our young people and the community. Our young people must be offered this opportunity to help nurture them and steer them in the right direction for their future. These programmes will hopefully inspire and motivate our youth to reach their full potential.”