Project 23 Drop-In: Join our youth team, make a difference and have fun – all at the same time!!

Drop-In has been a part of the Youth Project since the Link started and continues to be one of the central pillars of our work but what is it?

The name in itself implies a ‘take it or leave it’ approach and looking in you might think it’s just a glorified pool hall. Of course that is not all it is! Otherwise this would be a short article.

Our Drop-In offers a structured programme of activities. Daily we offer pool, games systems, access to laptops and free tea and coffee. On a more occasional basis we offer cookery, art, outings, and training sessions on different topics. We use this time to get alongside young people and to offer them the opportunity to talk about issues that are affecting them. This can range from family problems to school to questions about health issues. This is much needed time for our young people as often they do not get this support at home. We often take for granted having someone who actually cares how your day has been, but when it’s absent it can make a world of difference. Where else would we get that release, that chance to vent or to talk about the good things in our day? For the young people in Project 23 that opportunity comes with Drop-In

Tuesday is an extra special day as another member is added to the Link’s line-up of familiar staff and volunteers - Gillian McCullough. Gillian is a Youth Advice Nurse with the South Eastern Trust who runs our Midi-Link Youth Health Advice Clinic. Here young people can get help and support on a number of health issues including mental and physical health. A number of our young people have benefitted greatly from this service.

A lot of our programme work occurs through Drop-In and it is through Drop-In that we engage young people in conversation. Through this building of relationships we are able to pinpoint areas that young people could benefit from having more information. Recently this has taken the form of an internet safety course but in the past has helped us to organise courses on smoking cessation and programmes addressing self-esteem.

Drop-In is very much a cornerstone of our work but it can only continue if we have the staff and just as importantly the volunteers to support the young people to the fullest. Drop-In volunteers are always welcome and it is a unique way of showing support to young people. So if you are looking to help out or have a bit of spare time to give to others, Project 23 welcomes young and old. Just bring a sense of humour, a lot of patience and the want to support the young people of Newtownards.