Learning, adventure and fun with Patrician Youth Centre

22 February 2023

THE Patrician Youth Centre provides youth services for children and young people in Downpatrick.

With 800-plus children and young people registered this year, the centre is certainly buzzing right now.

Food for all

Over the past number of years Patrician has been feeding members through its ‘Holiday Hunger’ programme but with its involvement with Children in NI and Finnebrogue Artisan the project has rocketed.

There is food for all, served at every session, and is complemented with mini chef and cookery sessions across weekly delivery.

Last year, from September 2021, the centre served 12,867 meals and suppers, 6,340 snacks and provided 810 food bags and parcels for children and young people.

Since September 2022 it has provided over 3,000 suppers, 2,550 snacks and over 300 food bags, supporting families and providing help with the cost of living crisis.

Arts

Performing and creative arts have always been popular with provision in place for children aged four and upwards. The members recently staged a musical production to sell-out audiences and are now embarking on what is being billed as a ‘Theatrical Extravaganza’ which will be staged in May. Registration started from.

Media

Patrician Youth Centre recently refurbished its media centre and has a fully-equipped games zone with four 55-inch TVs with access to internet. This is a positive and direct way of supporting digital poverty in the Downpatrick area.

Sports

Patrician Youth Centre offers many sports, including football, basketball, cricket, table tennis, badminton and dodgeball, as well as pool and snooker.

Trips

Travel and residentials have commenced post Covid and children and young people are getting the opportunity to travel outside of Downpatrick to fun venues and spend time with friends enjoying new experiences and opport-unities both locally and elsewhere.

During midterm at Halloween, the young people travelled to Fermanagh and enjoyed the great outdoors at Gortatole Outdoor Learning Centre.

During midterm last week they travelled to Lisburn for swimming and bowling, as well as Coco’s in Newcastle and Todd’s Leap Activity Centre at Ballygawley.

Volunteers

Volunteering and leadership training opportunities are also available for those who wish to get involved in youth work Practice and support staff to deliver programmes.

After school

After school clubs and work with Year 8 children, plus bespoke programmes, are happening daily with children and young people who are getting the chance to learn and have fun in process.

Starting soon is a ‘Moving On Club’ for P7 children. This will take place on Thursdays from 7-8.30pm

Interested in joining Patrician Youth Centre? Register at www.patricianyc.com or use the QR code.

Further information is available from the centre.

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