Youth forum meeting to shape new projects

Youth forum meeting to shape new projects

23 March 2016

A NEW youth group in Killyleagh will outline the projects it hopes to start work on during a public meeting in the town tomorrow night.

The Killyleagh Youth Forum — set up in the wake of trouble which flared at a Halloween bonfire in the town last year — is holding its inaugural meeting at Second Killyleagh Presbyterian Church at 6pm.

Determined to steer teenagers away from anti-social behaviour, the group has set itself a number of targets and drawn up a new constitution which will be formally ratified tomorrow night.

The Forum is determined to make a difference by working to improve Killyleagh’s image and is keen to secure funding to help develop new projects, including the redevelopment of a play park at the Bridge Community Centre.

Other ideas include securing funding to buy a strimmer and lawnmower to cut pensioner’s gardens and exploring the potential for launching a telephone befriending service for elderly and vulnerable people, similar to the one provided by Good Morning Down.

Members of the group are also exploring the possibility of organising a Halloween festival in Killyleagh next year and are working with officials from the County Down Rural Community Network.

Last Friday, Forum members met with Strangford MP Jim Shannon, MLAs Simon Hamilton and Michelle McIlveen and Rowallane councillor Billy Walker, all of whom say they are encouraged by the young people’s positive attitude and determination.

Ahead of tomorrow night’s public meeting, Forum chairman, James Savage, said the event is open to young people and their parents and hopes they will attend to find out more about the organisation’s work.

“Representatives from the Ardglass-based Street Safe group are the guest speakers and we are keen to replicate the work it does keeping an eye on elderly people and making sure they are alright,” continued James.

He added: “We would encourage as many people as possible to attend tomorrow night’s meeting to learn more about us and to ask is questions.”

Councillor Walker said he and other senior politicians are impressed with the refreshing attitude the teenagers are displaying, their commitment to improve Killyleagh’s image and work to support young people and the elderly.

“These young people are doing something positive for the town and are to be commended. The leadership they are showing is refreshing. All too often it is easy to criticise young people but what these teenagers are doing is very refreshing. I hope they will get the support they deserve at tomorrow night’s meeting,” he continued.

Councillor Walker added: “I cannot speak highly enough of them and what they are doing and are putting the needs of others before their own. If their peers in other areas adopted a similar approach the district would be a much richer place. The teenagers in Killyleagh are showing they have the qualities to be the leaders of tomorrow.”