A youth project in Minehead has helped around 200 young people get away from technology to become more active and social. The community-led Minehead Eye Project at Seaward Way helped youths to get involved in new activities and engage in the local community.
Andy Wescott, a Youth Worker at Minehead Eye, said: “The sessions at Seaward Way have been fantastic, full of lots of fun, energy and laughter. Throughout this project, I have been really impressed by the community support we have received from the estate. Thank you all who have been a part of it.”
After requests from the local residents to have more activities in the area, Minehead Eye partnered with LiveWest, Magna Housing and Somerset Wildlife Trust to provide a series of events across the summer and into the autumn season. The 16-week project saw around 200 local teenagers and young children (aged between two to 16-years-old) take part in a series of 16 weekly sessions held in the multi-use games area.
Thanks to the funding provided by LiveWest and Magna Housing, activities were free for the residents so they could come along and have some fun without worrying about the cost. Activities ranged from various sporting activities including basketball, cricket and football, as well as large games of Uno and chances for the children and young people to get creative with art.
The local PCSOs also came along to a session to talk about road safety and Somerset Wildlife Trust brought creative activities with them and young people created a song about the environment. To help these sessions continue as the weather gets colder and darker, LiveWest and Magna Housing has provided funding to the Minehead Eye so that any of those who attended the sessions over the Summer and Autumn can access Minehead Eye’s clubs for free until February 2025.
Minehead Eye has helped young people get involved in their community
(Image: LivewellSouthwest/NHS)
Shona Stone, Community Connector for LiveWest is thrilled with the community engagement they’ve received for the project.
She said: “It’s been great to see so many young people from the Seaward Way community coming each week to get involved in these sessions. Minehead Eye has provided a variety of activities for the young people to get involved with and Somerset Wildlife Trust has also got involved to encourage further interest in the natural world. It’s been a special project which LiveWest has been able to fund.”
Neil Bliss, Customer and Community Involvement Officer, at Magna Housing, said: “Magna Housing were pleased to support Minehead Eye to deliver this community project at Seaward Way for younger people, which has been a great success!”
Join Somerset Live’s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone
Somerset Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Somerset Live team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.