Expanding youth programming in Clayton

Surrey, BC – In response to the needs of youth in the fast growing area of Clayton, residents and partners have come together to create a positive and supportive place for young people to go after school and in the early evening. The new Clayton Heights Activity Team (CHAT) was launched today during a Public Safety Town Centre event at the Cloverdale Recreation Centre. CHAT will connect and support young people, ages 13 to 18, by building their confidence, life skills, employability, health and sense of belonging. “Ensuring that youth who don’t typically participate in traditional programming have positive activities available to them during the critical afterschool and evening hours is a priority for the City of Surrey,” said Mayor Linda Hepner. “A key initiative in the City’s Public Safety Strategy, the Clayton Heights Activity Team is an opportunity for us to collectively support our youth and help them make positive life choices.” The CHAT vision was developed through the passionate perseverance and genuine care of Jen Temple, Asset Manager for Hillcrest Village Shopping Centre. Temple was instrumental in the program’s creation, which is a unique partnership between the City’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department, Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) and the local business community. “This new initiative is a way for the businesses in our area to give back to young people and reduce issues in the community. We want to support our young people to give them a sense of belonging and purpose by building relationships and connections in their community - It takes a village,” said Jen Temple. “Creating opportunities for positive mentoring and social interaction among youth helps to improve confidence, resiliency and connection to family and community,” said Michelle Shaw, Director of Youth and Addiction Services, Pacific Community Resources Society. Today’s Public Safety Town Centre event is the latest in a series of community outreach sessions in Surrey. Upcoming events will be held in the Newton area.