Youth Gateway - Yo! (From Watford Observer)

Youth Gateway - Yo!

4:15pm Tuesday 15th November 2011

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Yo! is an ambitious youth community programme giving young people more of a say on what goes on in their neighbourhood. Whether it’s new youth activities, safer streets, or a way to help elderly residents and last Saturday, I attended the first event and did I have fun!!

Over 70 young people came along to the Highlight club in the town centre to celebrate the launch of the new youth initiative and with so many activities to choose from I was lost for choice. We had music from Vibe 107.6, street dance from the Dan Tien Performing Arts School, even a temporary tattoo artist. Of course, I could not resist getting a tattoo on my arm.

There was also karaoke and video booths available with lots of singing and dancing taking place. Songs were being recorded and an inspiring performance by local singing star Sophie Herring.

You should all know me by now and if there is an opportunity for fame in the making I will be there. I have been composing a song in my spare time so what better opportunity than to try it out in the video booth. I was really delighted with the recording. The lyrics really flowed and I just need to put some fine tuning to the music. You may even see my first record hit the charts just in time for Christmas then I will be a real recording artiste - you never know I might even make Platinum!!

The young people also got to chat with youth workers from the YMCA and First Rung as well as with Trust staff.

Following on from this, regular meetings will take place with young people to discuss their ideas and also encouraging input through its Facebook page, ‘Youth Opportunities Watford and Three Rivers’.

I had a really cool time and the feedback for the day was that the event was really “funky”. You can see that spending time down with the kids is making me a really cool dude, I can even talk like them now!!

Young people who have signed up to take part in Yo! will be able to attend its next event, ‘Yo!’s Extreme Adventure’, at the Hemel Snow Centre, on 21 January.

If you would like further information about Yo! please contact Dave Gunn, Community Empowerment Officer on 01923 209221.

To find out more information about anything else happening at the Trust, please contact me on trusty.house@wcht.org.uk.

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