Arts & Crafts for young people
The Spring Arts Centre in Havant gained some funding to bring creative activities to young people in the local community so Motiv8 worked in partnership with them to identify creative activities and reach young people through Motiv8’s main youth clubs in Leigh Park, Wecock Farm, Stakes and Hayling Island. An arts professional, Matt West, was appointed and he worked with a steering group of Motiv8 young people to plan workshops and trips. These young people are also undertaking their Arts Award certificate for their work on the project.
Groups of young people taking part in a graffiti workshop, went to see Warhorse at Southampton Mayflower Theatre. They had an ice dance training session, been to see performances at the Spring Arts centre and more. Future plans include a range of music workshops and inviting a stand-up comedian to tour the Motiv8 youth hubs. There was also an opportunity to attend a Creative Futures careers event at the Spring recently to experience the range of career opportunities in the arts and get information from local colleges about creative arts courses.
Leigh Park DIVERT project success
Following the successful completion of the Leigh Park DIVERT project, a special evening was put on to celebrate the achievements of the girls involved.
The event was attended by the Mayor & Mayoress of Havant, local councillors, parents, police and funders were all present at the event. The girls were praised for how well they presented themselves at the event and their achievements shared.
Following the project the girls will all continue to build on the foundations of DIVERT and work hard to encourage and support one another to continue with their success.
The DIVERT programme is all about reducing anti-social behaviour and is a partnership working between the Police, Motiv8 and other groups in Havant. It aims to help a targeted group of young people recognise risks, make informed choices and identify the potential consequences of their actions. It was piloted in Wecock Farm in early 2013 with great success. The latest DIVERT programme is in Leigh Park with members of the group all making significant progress since the start in autumn 2013
The DIVERT group gave something back at Christmas by offering a helping hand at the soup kitchen at Buckland United Reformed Church. The group worked tirelessly to sort through and give out clothes to homeless people as well as helping to serve meals. Some of the group also went out on the streets of Portsmouth to give hot drinks and food to people sleeping rough.
DIVERT is supported by Hampshire County Council, Havant Borough Council and the Hampshire Police & Crime Commissioner.
6 Steps to Transforming Parenting Skills
On 7 March 2014, Transform worked in partnership with Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service to hold a day of activity at Havant Fire station for parents. The aim was to develop parenting skills through problem solving and challenging activities with a focus on developing skills across 6 main areas: effective parenting, leadership, working as a team, managing conflict, listening to others and coping with new situations. The final challenge was to climb a ladder 13 metres up the tower (equivalent to 3 stories high). Everyone achieved this and some even went hands-free and performed a leg lock! Working together to solve problems and linking strategies back to people’s home life has helped parents to be more confident when dealing with issues at home.
Motiv8 works alongside Barnardo’s, Step by Step and Family Lives to deliver Transform, Hampshire’s intensive family support programme. Transform aims to help adults move into employment, improve children’s school attendance, and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Transform workers provide emotional support, information and guidance, practical handson help for families as well as co-ordinating a package of support. Currently, Transform supports about 160 families across Hampshire.