After hitting the ground running in Sleaford and Gainsborough, Louth is the next community to benefit from ‘Beyond’ – Lincolnshire County Council’s positive activity programme.
Young people can join free activities in schools and venues across Louth, helping them build important life-skills and inspiring them to play a positive role in their community.
After school sessions start on 20 January and continue Tuesdays to Fridays from 3pm to 8pm for 10 weeks, with the exception of February half term.
Young people can unleash their inner Bukayo Saka or Chloe Kelly and practice their skills in street football.
Other activities on offer include dodgeball, table tennis, pool, dance, and more, meaning there is something for everyone, whatever their interests.
They will also have the chance to join the national Go Lead award, helping them to build their confidence and leadership skills.
See the 'Beyond' activity programme on our website to stay up to date.
As well as the community events, the county council has teamed up with Louth Academy and King Edward’s Grammar School to launch a six-week programme for students aged 12 to 14.
A three-week programme will also be offered to Year 6 classes at all the town’s primary schools.
The sessions use scenario-based activities to help students reflect on how their decisions may affect others in the community, while building emotional resilience, self-awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills.
One popular activity sees the pupils take on the role of a town council. As they take turns in a Monopoly style game they must choose to allocate their budget on services like education, crime, and managing green spaces. These decisions affect their ability to respond to incidences of anti-social behaviour and the impact they can have on the community.
‘Positivity, community, and aspiration’: ‘Beyond’ in Gainsborough
The programme will build on the successes of ‘Beyond’ in Gainsborough, where it proved a big hit with young people, parents, and residents alike.
Between September and December last year almost 500 young people took part in the school and community activities.
One parent called the programme “excellent”, adding: “I can't say words that are good enough to describe what you are doing. Because what would the kids be doing instead? Playing out on the streets or gaming.”
The programme’s positive impact was also felt beyond the school gates and sports fields.
Thanking the secondary school students who had designed and donated artwork to the Northolme Children’s Home during the project, manager Gemma Benson, said:
“Your artwork celebrates everything we value - positivity, community and believing in our own aspirations. Your creativity has brought warmth to our walls, inspiration to our young people and you have truly brightened our home.”
Gemma Benson, Manager of Northolme Children’s Home in Gainsborough, pictured with the students' artwork
Cllr Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for community safety at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It was brilliant to visit one of the ‘Beyond’ park days in Gainsborough and see first-hand how much the young people were getting out of the team activities.
“This programme is all about using the power of positive activities to bring people together and encouraging our young people to take pride in their communities, all while having fun.
“After the brilliant feedback we’ve received in Gainsborough, it’s next stop Louth! If you have teenagers aged between 9 and 18, please do seek out these fantastic free activities on your doorstep.”
Get involved
To find out more about when and where the activities are taking place be sure to follow the Safer Lincolnshire Facebook and X accounts, and follow our website.
We are working closely with local partners, including Lincolnshire’s district councils, Lincolnshire Police, youth groups, local businesses, and voluntary and charitable organisations, to bring more positive activities to inspire our young people and build stronger communities.
If you could offer further opportunities for children and young people within your local community and would like to get involved, please email: ASBProject@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Featured image: Cllr Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for community safety at Lincolnshire County Council, pictured with council staff at a 'Beyond' park day.