London,
06
July
2010
|
23:00
Europe/London

Summer of youth activities in Hackney

Young people will be within easy reach of a whole range of outdoor and indoor events throughout the summer, plus a new summer activities guide to help find their way to the action, as the Council steps up its commitment to making Hackney a good place to grow up.

There’s no need to be stuck for things to do over the summer with the variety of mainly free activities available for young people, including arts and culture; play schemes and play areas; leisure centres, sports, parks and outdoors; and the Summer Plus programme at youth centres where 13-19 year olds can enjoy themselves, meet new people and learn something new.

Highlights include the Summer Space Hop Reading Challenge, which starts on 24 July at your local Hackney library, read six books in six weeks as part of this year’s themed national reading challenge and get an award for your achievement. Plus the London Swim School for 4-15 year olds at London Fields Lido from 26 July to 20 August, and auditions for the London Youth Circus, age 11-21, on 25 July or 5 September at Circus Space, Coronet Street, N1.

The Council has also commissioned a wide range of community courses and development schemes starting this summer, including a free 18-month Community Fire Cadets education programme for those aged 14 - 18, one evening each week at a local fire station.

Continuing the Parks for Life season, Shoreditch Park and adjoining Britannia Leisure Centre will be asking young people to ‘Have a Go’ as part of a day of free taster sessions – Saturday 10 July, 11am-5pm. Try your hand at kids’ capoeria, go in for rock climbing, take on the trampoline or master the art of fencing. It’s all for fun and all for free.

Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Our young people are our greatest asset and they are leading the way in shaping activities and services to meet their needs. The summer activities programme offers a great variety of things to do across the borough while allowing young people to display their fantastic talent and resourcefulness.”

For details of this year’s summer activities for young people in Hackney, visit: www.younghackney.org; or pick up a copy of the guide available from Hackney youth centres, leisure centres, libraries, and the Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street, E8 1DY.