An upcoming social charity that wants to bring communities closer together has started a new set of activities for young people in Folkestone.

 

Joining up generations, so older members of the community can share their skills with 8-17-year olds, Active & Giving are now holding sessions at the Quarterhouse.

 

Learning a variety of crafts including; knitting and crocheting, sewing, other craft skills, writing plays and acting,  Mary Muchena  hopes that different skills can be added: “In future the skills on offer would be demand driven, responding to the expressed interests and needs of the young people. Potential skills on offer would include photography, cooking, gardening, fence making and jewellery making.”

 

Learning some of the traditional skills that were years ago part of mainstream education, will not only benefit a whole new group of young people, but will also help older people to remain active in their own communities, develop new friendships and offer other benefits to participants: “These are key life skills that we all need. Making things, mending and recycling contribute to a healthier mind and environment and reduce waste” said Mary.

 

“Younger people do not only acquire traditional skills but gain in confidence and other life and employability skills.”

 

Developed after funding was received from UnLtd which supports the piloting of good ideas that benefit the community, the group currently run monthly sessions but hope these will increase to fortnightly if there is a demand and additional funding can be secured.