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We are delighted to welcome our first full time Youth Worker, Michelle Graham, who joins us from project partners, The Arts Partnership.
Michelle had worked for the Arts Partnership for 13 years developing and running a range of creative projects for young people across Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire. Prior to that she worked for Sefton Council; delivering after school sports sessions and The Home Office; working with young offenders at a local attendance centre.
Michelle who officially started in her role in June has been meeting as many young people as possible, visiting youth groups, scouts and brownies. She has also been in touch with other community groups to explain to them how Inspire can benefit everyone – especially through the use of volunteers.
Michelle said: “It’s important that young people feel comfortable when you go in to talk to them as you will get more out of them in terms of what they would like to see and how they can get involved so it often means visiting them each week and developing a relationship.”
Michelle meets with our Young People’s Development Group every two weeks to influence the development of the Youth Zone. Amongst the discussion topics are transport links to and from the Youth Zone and art work to decorate its exterior to let people know what is in store.
Michelle added: “Working with OnSide has given young people the opportunity to see what a working Youth Zone will look like and how they can implement the things they would like to see. They have met other young people and seen how beneficial having such a fantastic building can be, not only for a place to go and try new things but can also provide work opportunities for them as well.”
The Arts Partnership’s youth offer will be merged with us here at Inspire and we are delighted to be working alongside them.
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