Inspired young people perk up their community

Members of the newly-formed St Luke's Youth Community Challenge (SLYCC) have arranged to paint play equipment in Cluny Square, Southend, on Tuesday between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

They have also opened an SLYCC bank account and have already organised their first official fund-raising event.  

This is a charity curry evening at the Gulshan Tandoori Restaurant, Sutton Road, Southend, on Wednesday 6th July. Tickets are still available from Community Projects & Volunteer Manager Chris Sollis, on 01702 63927  

The young people were galvanised into action following a community residential experience organised by Motivate the Estate in partnership with the national charity Youth at Risk and supported by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Integrated Youth Support Service.  

This residential trip proved a real learning experience, which challenged the young people and volunteers, and prompted them to form SYLCC, based at the Community Centre in Cluny Square.  

This organisation aims to empower young people to organise and plan their own activities and events in partnership with other community groups.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor Mark Flewitt said: "This has been a remarkable and lasting outcome from the Motivate the Estate project. The members of SLYCC deserve our support and congratulations for their achievements and fabulous community spirit. This will surely inspire others to follow suit."  

Becky Ramsey a founder member of SLYCC said: "As a young person living in Cluny Square I often had ideas about how to improve my community but there was no way to make them real. Being part of SYLCC has enabled me to think about what is possible for my community rather than thinking 'why bother, nothing happens'. We are all excited about fund-raising and the plans for events & activities over the summer when we will be working with other organisations - we have high hopes for SLYCC."