Wirral children get an adventure

Oct 29 2008 by Carrie Catterall, Wallasey News

riverside

CHILDREN were taken off the streets and put into the great outdoors throughout October in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour in Wallasey.

Twelve youngsters aged 11-17 from the Seacombe and Poulton area were taken on an outdoor experience to find themselves, develop confidence and increase self-esteem.

The activity programme included mountain biking, gorge walking, climbing, abseiling, canoeing and kayaking at locations in Wirral, North Wales and Cheshire.

This was all part of the Let’s Go Adventure outdoors project which works with Riverside Housing and Merseyside Police to prevent youngsters from getting into trouble.

Let’s Go Outdoor Learning and Adventure programme director John Driver said: “Sometimes kids have very little structure in their lives.

“But taking up challenging activities where your success depends on your team-mate, often has surprising results that really helps change behaviours.

“These activities also give youngsters a chance to be children again and develop their sense of play.

“Often teenagers are under so much peer pressure to be tough and take the type of risks that can lead to anti social behaviour.

“We challenge them in what is sometimes a demanding physical environment – a healthy way for young people to channel their energy.”

Riverside Housing’s community initiatives officer Jayne Branch-Murray added: “The outdoor adventure course was a motivating activity for the group.

“They had to learn to work as a team and develop trust throughout the activities.

“These are life skills that develop confidence and encourage respect – life skills that help youngsters in their day to day relationships and activities.”

Projects like this will continue to work with children to tackle negative behaviour that disrupts communities.