YOUNG people at the Route 81 youth project in Garelochhead have been working up a sweat – and racking up their volunteering hours – as part of the initiative’s summer activity programme.

In last week’s issue of the Advertiser we featured the ‘days out’ enjoyed by Route 81’s youngsters, taking them to the hills above Shandon, the waters of the Gareloch and a water park on the other side of the country – but there was plenty to keep them busy throughout July right on their own doorstep.

Each week’s activities began with a ‘Tasty Tuesday’ - a free lunch provided to all those attending the hub, based at Centre 81 in the village. And while the number of young people to buy for wasn’t easy to predict, that didn’t stop Route 81 springing into action, with young volunteers delivering every single surplus lunch to a further 12 families – 13 adults and 20 children – throughout the community.

 

Route 81 young people got access to the gym at Centre 81 with guidance from Mark of Superbia Performance

Route 81 young people got access to the gym at Centre 81 with guidance from Mark, of Superbia Performance.

Route 81 young people got access to the gym at Centre 81 with guidance from Mark of Superbia Performance

Route 81 young people got access to the gym at Centre 81 with guidance from Mark, of Superbia Performance.

 

Volunteering was also part of the programme, with 14 young people signing up to take part in seven sessions, and all the hours contributing towards each participant’s Saltire Volunteer Award.

Activities included gardening, cleaning, organising the youth Hub for starting back, programme planning and setting up, running and clearing up the Tasty Tuesday drop-ins - with a total of 80 volunteering hours contributed.

 

Route 81 young people got access to the gym at Centre 81 with guidance from Mark of Superbia Performance

Route 81 young people got access to the gym at Centre 81 with guidance from Mark of Superbia Performance

Route 81 young people got access to the gym at Centre 81 with guidance from Mark of Superbia Performance

Route 81 young people got access to the gym at Centre 81 with guidance from Mark, of Superbia Performance.

 

A last-minute addition to the summer programme was added mid-July. Young people had been asking for many months to access the Centre 81 Community Gym, but due to being under 16 this was not possible.

With extra funding gained, the expertise of Mark from Superbia Performance was enlisted, and 10 sessions of personal training booked. A total of 14 young people participated and despite a few sore muscles the next day, this is an activity they want to take forward in the future.

One of the young people told us: “The gym made me feel so good about myself and I really want it to continue.”

 

Tasty Tuesday kicked off each week of the summer programme

Tasty Tuesday kicked off each week of the summer programme

 

Another said that learning how to do pull-ups during the gym sessions had been their “best memory of the summer programme”, saying: “I have never done them before and it felt good to achieve this.”

Facts and figures from this year’s programme include:

  • 46 young people took part in the summer programme, with 28 completing evaluation forms
  • 93 per cent of those who filled in a form said Route 81 helps them to get out the house more
  • 96 per cent believed that Route 81 helps them work better with others
  • 93 per cent said they had gained new skills on the Summer Programme
  • 93 per cent had discovered new things on the Summer Programme
  • 93 per cent got to meet new people and make new friends
  • 93 per cent said they felt physically healthier after participation in activities
  • 93 per cent got to try out new activities that they had never done before
  • 100 per cent felt happy after taking part in an activity
  • 100 per cent said Route 81 makes them feel better about themselves.

Route 81 youth worker Michelle Macdonald said: “This was great feedback, and a great summer programme, positively impacting local young lives.

“Route 81’s mission is to provide positive and supportive leadership and opportunities for personal development to enable young people aged 11-17 to reach their full potential.

 

Tasty Tuesday kicked off each week of the summer programme

Tasty Tuesday kicked off each week of the summer programme

Volunteer gardeners help get the space around Centre 81 looking at its best

Volunteer gardeners help get the space around Centre 81 looking at its best

 

“Currently with only one youth worker, the support of volunteers and partner agencies is vital. and many thanks must go to the R81 volunteer youth team and to Ashley and her team, Jan and Stacey at Helensburgh and Lomond Young Carers.”

Route 81 is currently looking for adult volunteers to assist with Friday night drop-ins. If you love working with young people, have lots of energy, and are able to cope with loud music, lots of chat, a bit of ‘organised’ chaos and some crazy fun programmes, email michelle@route81.org,.uk or message the ‘Route 81 Youth Project’ page on Facebook.

Route 81 is closed from Thursday, August 10 for staff annual leave, with the project’s youth programmes restarting on Monday, September 4. Keep an eye on their Facebook page above or check out project81.co.uk.