Woodland Youth Club
Woodland Youth Club members enjoyed their first residential at the TCR Hub on Halloween.
Supported by the October fun and food scheme, the children enjoyed a night away from home where they participated in various crafts such as making corn dolls, toffee apples and more.
After enjoying a delicious two course meal, the children headed outside for a spooky trail and stories around the fire pit.
The youth club was founded by Lucinda Ewin who said this was an educational and important stepping stone for the children.
The youth club was started back in 2022 when she realised there was nothing in the rural community for children to enjoy at very little cost.
Ms Ewin said: “They go to school, come home and don’t see their friends until the next day. In the winter time especially these can be long months.
“We have a fantastic team of volunteers in Keighly, Alison, Nicola and Simon who give up their time each week to come and spend it with these children.
“Each session provides fun, educational and social experiences which is vital to our community,” added Ms Ewin.
“Keighly has introduced the Blue Peter programme which now has the children working towards something which is also giving them a sense of achievement and responsibility.
“Our 28 children travel from Cockfield, Butterknowle and as far as Staindrop to enjoy the programme.
“Following Covid and the cost-of-living crisis we made it essential that at each session our children receive a hot and nutritious supper.
“We mainly raise our money via the tuck shop and everything we raise goes straight back to the children.
“Not only that, we feel it has helped families have a moment to themselves. As parents, we know that getting that little bit of self-care time is very important to enable us to bring out the best in ourselves, too.
“This club extends further than children by supporting our local rural families as well.”
