Late 2023 saw the launch of a pilot scheme in Driffield called ‘Active Fridays’, which are fun multi-sport sessions aimed at young people who do not usually access sports clubs and who have sometimes been hanging around in the town and getting into trouble for what is sometimes viewed as “anti-social behaviour.”
The sessions are already being seen as a success, and funding has been secured until November 2024, from the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
Before the funding was secured from the Police and Crime Commissioner, the initial pilot was funded by Driffield Youth Action (DYA), which paid to rent the all-weather sports pitch at East Riding Leisure in Driffield, operated by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and bought some start-up kit.
The sessions are put on by the Driffield Youth Partnership, a group of organisations which support young people in the area, aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and finding positive activities for young people. The sessions are run by DYA; Community Vision; Humberside Police and East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Active Communities team.
After the funding was received, youth workers and sports coaches were recruited for the project. They have been in post since November and are now making good progress and striking up a great rapport with the young people attending Active Fridays.
Activities at the sessions have included a mini sports tournament in December, with football, cricket and foot cricket.
Most of those who attend are from Driffield and surrounding area, though some have come along from Beverley and Hornsea.
Councillor Leo Hammond, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning, communities and public protection, said : “Active Fridays is proving an excellent initiative, bringing many benefits, including positive relationships between the young people and the facilitators. The young people are saying they feel listened to and have chosen many of the activities themselves.
“The partnership has helped forge good working practice between the Police, sports coaches, and youth workers. It has shown that the different agencies can complement each other when working collaboratively. We are also seeing a welcome reduction in anti-social behaviour since Active Fridays started.”
Jonathan Evison, Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, said :
“I am really happy to support the Driffield Youth Engagement partnership. There need to be more safe spaces for young people where they can get involved in positive activities. I am looking forward to seeing the partnership progress.’
For Active Friday sessions, young people are free to turn up at East Riding Leisure Driffield just before 7pm and sign in with the youth workers. They can follow on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/driffieldyouthaction/
Or contact on the following email: lisa@dya.org.uk or call on 07555298304.
There will also be self defence classes for young people aged 11-18 running alongside the Active Friday sessions for five weeks from 23 February at East Riding Leisure Driffield. Participants will need to fill in a registration form for this activity, and spaces are limited. Contact lisa@dya.org.uk
