Unique Middleton youth project is back

The Unique Youth Project for young people aged 11 to 15 enjoyed a successful relaunch.

Previous and new members have turned up for its initial two weeks. The activities they have enjoyed included football, basketball, computer gaming, board games and music.

One of the organisers, Jacky Pendleton, said: “The young people have the opportunity to have fun, meeting and socialising with friends, one night a week in a safe environment.

“Plus they can also make good use of the well-stocked tuck shop.”

Unique began about a year ago to provide a focus for out-of-school activities for young people around Middleton and Elmer.

But it folded five months later. Problems finding space to store its equipment made it impossible to carry on.

A group of volunteers was, however, determined to overcome the difficulty and build on the initial success.

They resolved the problem and gained 19 new volunteers for the revived version of the service.

It is based at St Nicholas Church Hall in Southdean Drive, Middleton, from 6pm-8.30pm on Thursday evenings.

Those involved have benefited from the support of Middleton Parish Council, various local businesses, local police officers and donations from organisations in the area.

Mrs Pendleton said: “The project is staffed by volunteers from the local neighbourhood, who are all keen to provide a safe place for young people to relax and enjoy themselves.

“They are of mixed ages with a variety of skills who plan and facilitate social and special event nights to entertain the members.”

Unique has also started a community gardening project each weekend.

This offers its members the chance to set up, run and reap the rewards of a plot in the newly-created Middleton community allotments.

“The allotment brings together all ages and skills in preparing, planting and growing fruits and vegetables, and to eventually pick and cook the crops they have produced.

“It also provides recreation, exercise and education on interesting rural pastimes.

“These include building a living retreat made from trailing fruit trees, cooking in unusual ways and building a greenhouse made from recycled plastic bottles,” said Mrs Pendleton.

The weekly fee for attending the youth project is £1.50.