Michelle Cooper will update Members about the work of Ad Astra with young people across the communities of the North East Area Council.
Minutes:
Michelle Cooper was welcomed to the meeting and updated Members about the work of Ad Astra with young people across the communities of the North East Area Council. For the Outwood academies, listening support continues to be provided, now with 3 groups of 6/8 students supported by 2 staff. Topics covered include anxiety levels (which have increased exponentially through the lockdown), problems with access to IT/no internet provision; estranged families, with some families breaking down during the pandemic; job losses and financial worries; bereavement and associated guilt. Careers, sexuality, relationships, confidence building, conflict in friendship groups and lack of access to services eg youth clubs have also been covered. Support provided seems to be highly valued by the children, young people and the schools. Of the children who have been involved with Ad Astra, 68% have self harmed; 55% have reported feeling suicidal and 93% report being anxious at the moment. Period poverty has also been addressed, with delivery of health packs which are discreetly packaged so as not to draw attention to what is in the package. A Facebook appeal led to a huge influx of products for the project. An elderly Royston gentleman recently donated £1000 worth of goods, which were delivered to the centre at New Lodge and are now stored safely by Cllr Leech. Cllr Makinson expressed a wish to thank the gentleman personally in her role as Mayor and Royston Councillor. Summer holiday provision has continued in the Royston area and it was reported that over 5 weeks in the summer 149 activity packs were provided (with a different topic each week) along with 170 lunch packs. There was also a socially distanced litter pick in Royston Park, which was well received despite the heavy rain. During the October half-term Halloween activities took place with crafting sessions, packed lunches and a ‘Tinky dance session’ for preschool children which was very well received by families
RESOLVED that:
(i) Michelle be thanked for her attendance and the excellent work she has been doing with young people across the area;
(ii) Liaison take place with the Mayor’s Office regarding arranging an official ‘thank you’ from the Mayor for the gentleman who donated £1000 of goods for the Period Poverty Project;
(iii) Councillor David Leech be thanked for his help with storage of products, and
(iv) £2000 of funding be provided by the Area Council for purchase of sanitary products.