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Ideas for new social group the Young Ones
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 Many social groups exist without realizing there full potential; it is usually because of money or venues that they don’t fulfill the communities’ needs. Social groups offer trips, whether it’s a day out somewhere, going to the theatre or a drive and a meal. Not everyone wants to do this, and wish there was a more on offer. The Young Ones group has the opportunity to offer that little bit more, and grow into a very successful group. You may ask how it can achieve this, well if the group was split into smaller groups offering a wide variety of things that the community can get involved in would be a start. Rather than a monthly trip, hobbies, events or clubs could be ongoing, ranging from weekly to every month. This means that there would be something going on every week; the whole community benefits and can bring about a type of inter-league bringing communities from different areas together
The idea is for the group to seek what everyone would like, and see how we can achieve this. I have put together some ideas based on the forms that people filled in and added a few ones, not all are feasible, or some may need outside specialist help. With a bit of hard work most ideas can be put into practice, and just needs people from communities to be involved.
A good starting point is Hobbies; people have something that they like to do, and have no idea that there maybe someone else out there who may share their interest. The group can harness this knowledge and bring these people together.
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Educational Evenings - Many people in the area have difficulties, whether its understanding another Language, Math’s, English, Reading, and by socializing and helping each other, a better understanding of each others difficulties can result from such an evening. Everyone benefits. (Outside educational agencies could offer help)
Home Visits - People who are disadvantaged immediately from participating in the groups activities are people can not leave there home for whatever reason. I hope we can somehow find a way to engage and brighten these peoples life up in some small way. We could get together a small group of people to visit and socialize in some way, sometimes having someone to chat to be most reassuring. (Subject to feasibility study, health & safety etc)
Social evenings - Are a great way for people to meet new friends, and the group can provide a vehicle through which people from different areas can meet up and exchange views, chat and find out what goes on in each others neighborhood.
Photography Group - Should be a popular one with most people now having digital cameras and computers. Could also interact with other clubs, groups.
Fitness Classes – A very popular and rewarding, various types of course could be offered. (Outside agencies could offer help)
Dancing Club – Most people like to dance, and it keeps you fit. (Could be expanded to include Music, Singing)
Book Club – People like reading, and some people like to be read to, this could be expanded further by reaching people who can not read, or can not use a book, (eyesight or hand disability, audio books are available now or someone could read to them.
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Quiz Nights - Could be inter-league, made up of teams from different communities.
Fishing Club - A popular sport and pastime, and could provide trips to places that would normally be out of reach.
Chess Club - Another classic and still very popular with all ages.
Bingo Nights - This used to be old persons only, but now all ages are participating.
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Computer Club - Most people have got a computer or have access to one, the problem is there is no one available if it breaks in the evening. You might ask a friend or neighbour for help, so having a computer club makes sense.
Cookery Classes - I think this an excellent idea, but making it happen may be difficult.
Embroidery Classes - Another classic that anyone of any age can do.
Days Out - This is something most people want, whether it’s the seaside, theme park, or some other place.
Evening Drives - A popular choice, but would depend on how (Car, Coach, Boat etc) and where you drive.
Theatre Trips - Could be highly entertaining locally and could entail the odd weekend break, for example to visit London's west end.
Markets - There are many markets, car boots around the country, could entail a day out with drive and meal etc.
Museums - Would have to offer something special, we only have so many, and when you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all.
Listed Buildings – A good idea that is sometimes hindered by cost, although it seems there is a need for this.
Weekend Breaks -Â Something that would be governed by cost.
Summer Holidays - Something that would be governed by cost.
The great thing about most of the list above is that you could pick and choose what ever you wanted to do, new activities can be added to the listing. And the different groups can interact with each other, for instance the photography club could go on trips with say another group and photograph there day. Then the resulting pictures could be processed and the Computer club could put together a newsletter or website, the possibilities are endless.
Venues are of great importance, not everyone can or wants to travel too far. I hope that the group and Eastlands Homes can find venues in each neighbourhood for some of the clubs/classes.
I have only touched on a small part of what is achievable by the group, all that is needed is people and communities to come together and make it happen.
If anyone has other ideas not mentioned here, or needs any information about joining the Young Ones contact Lesley Brereton (Eastlands Homes)  now on 0161 274 2136.
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