19 March 2008
Local youngsters are about to embark on stage 5 of the Hindleap Challenge. The course will take place in April and will give them the opportunity to gain a Community Sports Leadership qualification. The Council will also look to the young people who successfully achieve this qualification, to run and organise future activities for young people. During the February half term this group of young people successfully completed stage 4, an accredited two day leadership course.
There are five stages to the project with each subsequent stage becoming progressively more challenging. To qualify for each following stage the young people must demonstrate new skills and follow a strict set of guidelines. The aim of structuring the project in such a way is to promote a sense of responsibility and achievement amongst young people, giving them control over whether or not they qualify for each following stage.
Previously the project has involved two stages where one day events took place at Hindleap Warren Outdoor Education Centre in Forest Row. Stage three was a two night three day residential which took place in October, where young people had the opportunity to test and improve on their new skills in the beautiful and exhilarating surroundings of the Peak District.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, Health and Community Services, Councillor Margaret Bannister says, “The Hindleap Challenge is another example of successful partnership working in Eastbourne. The activities that the young people undertake will certainly present challenges for them, however, it will help develop skills that can be used in the future. The project is a great opportunity for the young people taking part and one that the Council fully supports.”
Eastbourne Borough Council set up this exciting project for young Eastbourne residents, which combines adventurous activities such as wall climbing and archery, with outdoor educational activities such as problem solving obstacles. The Hindleap Challenge aims to build participants confidence and self esteem by teaching communication, problem solving, team work and leadership skills.
The project has been set up in partnership with East Sussex Youth Offending Team, Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership, Sussex Police, Positive Activities for Young People and local schools.
If you would like further information on the Hindleap Challenge you can contact Luke O’keefe, Prevent and Deter Officer on 01323 415403.
