Teamwork helps kids’ out-of-school learning

A partnership involving YMCA Derbyshire, Derby County Community Trust and Baby People has helped provide hundreds of youngsters with a safe space to learn and socialise during the pandemic.

Thanks to their unique tie-up, music sessions are being held over Instagram, sports activities are being encouraged virtually and confidence is being built in one-to-one sessions.

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The charities were inspired to act following a report from YMCA England and Wales that showed only 50% of young people could identify youth services in their area.

The report showed that many of these young people had concerns about their future and wanted the opportunity to develop new skills to help improve confidence and self-esteem.

Recognising the urgent need to provide more young people with a safe place to socialise and learn outside of school, the ‘This is Derby’ project began.

The project, which has been made possible with support from Derby Homes through the Derby City Social Impact Fund, has so far engaged more than 500 young people.

Derby County Community Trust, the charitable arm of Derby County Football Club, has run a variety of challenges and interactive activities virtually over the last eight weeks.

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Sessions have included fantasy Premier League nights, discussion sessions around wellbeing, sports challenges and quizzes.

Inclusion officer at DCCT, Jack Parkes, said: “Through these challenging times, our virtual sessions have been a point of support, structure and fun for our participants.

“We are very excited for our face-to-face sessions to resume and we are currently putting measures in place to make them as safe as possible.

“This is Derby has given young people across the city the opportunity to experience cultural and sporting opportunities.”

Sally Holyland, youth worker at YMCA Derbyshire, said: “I have engaged with over 35 young people on a one-to-one basis and together we make plans on their future aspirations.

“This helps visualise the future they can have, simply with a little bit of hard work.

“As they continue to be supported by the This is Derby project, many young people can start to visualise their positive pathway.”