Youth group’s message is at the ‘art’ of community’s positivity
A church youth group has sent an inspiring message to the community in a unique way as they reflect on their feelings over the Covid-19 pandemic.
The youth group at Oxclose Church, known as Ten10, used creative street art to send a message of “Strength for today, hope for tomorrow” outside the church on Brancepeth Road.
The group, which consisted of 12 youngsters aged 11-15, wanted to do something positive for the community and send a message of hope in a time where young people have been blamed by some for rising corona virus cases across the country.
According to Emerging Generations Lead at Ox close Church, NeilMcDonald, 33, this blame was a key reason why the group wanted to send a message of positivity.
He said :“Youngpeop le have been getting the blame almost for a rise in corona virus cases and I don’ t think that’ s fully fair. Young people are going through just as much as everyone else is.
“So we sat down and had a talk about what kind of message we can send to our
community and we found there were a lot of strong feelings around this blame, but we found an urge to be positive against thiscri ticism and send an inspiring message.
“I think right now youth
groups like this are essential. Young people get to see each other in school, but youth groups can offer so much more on top of school. For youngpeop le to find a space where they feel safe and cared for
is huge .”
The project, which was backed by the National Lottery Community Fund, took the Ten 10 group two days to complete.
Ten 10 launched earlier this year in June and is a
faith-based youth group which aims to give young people the chance to experience the fullness of life in any way they can.
Despite not being able to hold regular sessions right now due tot hec oron a virus lock down and Government regulations, organisers of the group are working on exciting plans for the future in an effort to provide a safe place for kids and battle anti social behaviour.