Services for Young People You Didn't Know Existed- Parton Youth Group

After the results came in for Cumbria County Council's Youth Consultation, the team at the council found that a lot of young people were asking for local services that already existed in the area.

So, we've set out to document these local places and help you find them much more easily.

In Copeland there are loads of services for young people, from football to theatre groups and even the good old youth clubs – there is something for everyone, but you might not know they exist, so we’re here to help!

Over the next six months, we’ll be visiting different youth services around the county to find out everything you need to know, including times, days, places, and not forgetting what they get up to! Our first port of call was Parton Youth Group.

The group takes place over two sessions every Thursday night, 5 pm – 6.30 pm for those aged 8 to 10 years old and from 6.30 pm – 8 pm for 11 and older, in Parton Village Hall.

Harley is 12 years old and has been going to the group for around three years, he said: “I come here to see my friends.

“I’ve met loads of new people in the last couple of years, who I know I can trust.”

The group’s home might be the village hall, but those who attend the group also get to go on lots of exciting trips.

Jen runs the group with the help of Louise and said: “We don’t just offer the usual youth club activities, we’ve got trips planned to a dry ski slope as well as York to visit the Jorvik Viking Centre.

“It’s a great group, watching people go from being shy to integrating with the group, really turning lives around.”

If you fancy giving Parton Youth Group a go, all you need to do is show up, and in the words of Harley: “Don’t be nervous, just be yourself!”