Young people in Portadown are embracing new skills and opportunities, thanks to a funding boost from the Housing Executive to help tackle anti-social behaviour.
The Y Zone Youth-hut facility, run by Portadown Elim Church from its site on Foundry Street, is building relationships with local young people and supporting them to make positive life choices.
Campbell Best (BEM), Project Co-ordinator at The Y Zone, said: “This funding has been crucial to what we’re doing in working with at risk and marginalised young people within the town.
“Our Youth-hut is a safe space where young people can access our coffee bar and pizza area during the week, after-school, and at pre-arranged sessions.
“My wife Gail facilitates our ‘Let’s Cook Together’ sessions for local schools and youth clubs, and we’re hoping to start growing fruit and vegetables in our garden space soon.
“Being here has helped change the culture.
Pizza o’clock: (L-R) Gail and Campbell Best (BEM), Project Co-ordinator at The Y Zone, pictured with local young people Evie, Kimberley and Jade at The Y Zone’s pizza area. The group are joined by Laura McConville, Community Safety Manager at the Housing Executive (right), which provided £12,205 to support the project through its Community Safety Fund
“We’re open throughout the year, it’s a safe space and we always operate an open-door policy.
“Being here takes young people away from negative behaviours and influences and provides opportunities and space for them to talk about more pressing issues in their lives.”
One man whose life has been impacted through the work of The Y Zone is Matthew Hobson, who now volunteers to provide practical maintenance support one day a week at the facility.
He said: “When I first met Campbell, I was in a bad way. I struggled with my mental health, and I’d recently lost my job.
“At that point I didn’t want to leave the house, it was a really difficult time. Campbell helped me through a lot of things.
“I’ve been volunteering with The Y Zone Youth-hut maintenance for over five years now and I’ve learnt several new skills.
“It’s giving me opportunities to progress into work again and I’m better equipped to manage my mental health.
Perfect pizza: Jade, Kimberley and Evie join Gail in shaping their pizza dough at The Y Zone’s pizza area, a safe and welcoming outside space. The Housing Executive has supported the ‘Let’s Cook Together’ sessions through its Community Safety Fund
“Life is a lot more positive, and through the project I’m able to help young people facing similar issues to those I experienced.”
Laura McConville, Community Safety Manager at the Housing Executive, said: “The Y Zone is pivotal in providing support to young people in Portadown and stopping anti-social behaviour.
“Through our Community Safety Fund, we’ve delivered over £620,000 to initiatives like The Y Zone across Northern Ireland over the last year.
“It was fantastic to visit the hub and see the impact that it’s having on young people in this area.”
