Hailsham youth activities build towards Christmas party

With Christmas just a few weeks away, Hailsham Youth Service has lined up a packed programme of Friday evening activities and outings for young people, culminating in a festive Christmas party on 18 December.

The Friday Night Project (FNP), funded by Hailsham Town Council, offers young people in school years 6 to 11 the chance to enjoy new experiences, visit local attractions and spend time with friends in a safe, welcoming and supervised environment.

Following a busy start to the autumn term, the programme continues through November and December with a mix of outdoor adventures, sport, creative workshops and social events. Highlights include skiing and tobogganing at Knockhatch Ski Centre, activities at Knockhatch Adventure Park, ten-pin bowling, a pottery workshop and a youth quiz night, before the programme rounds off with its annual Christmas celebration.

The project is supported by local organisations and activity providers, including Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham Community College and Freedom Leisure, helping the Youth Service offer a varied programme of activities at accessible prices.

Upcoming activities

• Friday 30 October - Halloween Party (Station Youth Centre | 6.30pm-8.30pm)

• Friday 6 November - Skiing Lesson (4th) (Knockhatch Ski Centre | 6.15pm-7.30pm)

• Friday 6 November - Open Ski Session (Knockhatch Ski Centre | 6.15pm-8pm)

• Friday 6 November - Youth Quiz Night (Station Youth Centre | 6.30pm-8.30pm)

• Friday 13 November - Ringo Tobogganing (Knockhatch Ski Centre | 6.15pm-7.30pm)

• Friday 13 November - Open Ski Session (Knockhatch Ski Centre | 6.15pm-8pm)

• Friday 20 November - Activities at Knockhatch (Knockhatch Adventure Park | 5.45pm-8pm)

• Friday 27 November - Ten-Pin Bowling (Freedom Leisure | 6.45pm-8.15pm)

• Friday 4 December - Pottery Workshop (Belle's Pottery Studio | 6pm-7.30pm)

• Friday 11 December - Activities at Knockhatch (Knockhatch Adventure Park | 5.45pm-8pm)

• Friday 18 December - Christmas Party (Station Youth Centre | 6.30pm-8.30pm)

Kerrie Potter, Youth Work Lead, said: "We've put together a programme that gives young people plenty to look forward to in the run-up to Christmas, from trying exciting activities and visiting local attractions to relaxing with friends at our youth centre. We want everyone who takes part to feel welcome, have fun and perhaps discover a new interest along the way."

"The Christmas party will be a great way to bring the programme to a close and celebrate the friendships and experiences built over the autumn term. The Friday Night Project is about giving young people positive things to do outside school, helping them grow in confidence and enjoy themselves in a supportive environment."

Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, praised the Youth Service team for their continued commitment to young people across Hailsham and the surrounding villages.

She said: "Providing young people with opportunities to get out, try new activities and spend time together in a safe environment is an important part of supporting our community. The Friday Night Project offers a valuable mix of enjoyment, friendship and personal development, and I commend our youth workers for the care and enthusiasm they bring to the programme."

Bookings for forthcoming activities are open, subject to availability, and families are encouraged to reserve places in advance as some sessions have limited capacity.

To book, visit the Hailsham Youth Service online store at https://hailsham-youth-service.sumupstore.com.