Young people tend to get a rough ride a lot of the time (in my opinion) They get judged quickly, and often unfairly, without always being given a chance to develop and grow as individuals. Which is why groups like Drop Zone are so important.
Drop Zone Youth Projects is based in Cornwallis Street (as well as having centres in Dalton and Askam) It’s a facility where young people aged 11 – 21 can socialise and develop positive relationships. The young people that get involved have access to services such as sexual health, advice and guidance and can even gain accredited outcomes for their work in the various projects the group is involved in. It provides a safe and friendly environment for youngsters to feel comfortable in and to help raise their levels of ambition and aspiration.
As with a lot of community groups and organisations, funding for Drop Zone had been squeezed over recent years, putting projects , and how the group supported young people at risk.
But the future looks so much brighter now, as the group has been awarded £38,000 of National Lottery money after it was crowned one of three winners of The People’s Projects on ITV earlier in April.
The money will be a much needed boost, not only will it help fund Drop Zone’s Sphere Project, which provides young people with youth work sessions; giving them a sound education on a whole range of issues from emotional wellbeing to healthy eating; but will also help them move from their Cornwallis Street base to the Brisbane Park Annex.
A new home, money to help carry on the great work the Sphere Project provides, and the future of the group secured – there’s great times ahead for Drop Zone, long may it continue!
If you’d like to know more about Drop Zone and the services they provide, visit http://www.dropzone.org.uk
