What they did this summer...

Young people in all four CBHA areas had a wide range of fun opportunities over the summer holidays this year.

There was a good turnout to the healthy eating sessions, art and craft activities, fun days, tournaments and workshops.

New this year was Panna football, which originated in Holland. The game is played on inflatable mini-pitches. Panna is the slang word for what in Britain is known as a ‘nutmeg’ when the ball is passed through the opponent’s legs and retrieved the other side.
Youth leader Douglas Mohammad said: “It is played one on one and our tournaments proved very popular with CBHA young people, particularly in Chingford. Judging by the response, it will definitely be back next year.”

Twelve children aged between eight and 13 enjoyed creating a mosaic top for a table in the chill out zone in Chingford. They spent time designing the pattern, which included their local postcode, before putting the mosaic together.

There was a fun day in Walthamstow Thomas Gamuel Park and, despite the rain, the turnout was impressive. There was music and a barbeque. Bouncy castles were provided and those that attended took part in panna football, face painting, canvas painting, nail art and a treasure hunt.

The munch brunch was another new idea for 2010. Each day, young people who attended workshops in the summer programme got together mid morning and prepared themselves brunch. On Friday evenings they enjoyed a meal cooked for them by older people from the area in ‘community kitchen’.

Still on the theme of food, the national Big Lunch Eden project was a chance for residents of all ages to share healthy food. And Pukka Tukka sessions continued, with teenagers learning to prepare healthy meals for themselves.

A group of young people had a great time with CBHA partners Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme touring the Olympic village.

A further group of 13 teenage girls, who attend the Mirror Image group for self-esteem, had an amazing day out at Alton Towers.
In addition, there were fun days, the regular chill out zones, sports, Wii and pool tournaments, discussion workshops and vouchers for the cinema or Nando’s.

Now the community development team is evaluating young people’s responses to the summer activities before planning for next year begins. Anyone who would like to contribute their ideas can email head of community development Roz Gordon at rozg@cbha.org.uk.

Also in the news: