Delight after activity scheme launched for city youngsters

THOUSANDS of disadvantaged youngsters in York are set to benefit from a new scheme to promote extra-curricular activities being rolled out across the city.

The "Me Too" activity programme is now being adopted by schools and community centres across York after a successful pilot last year.

The 400,000 programme is designed to ensure disadvantaged youngsters are given the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities every week.

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The announcement has been welcomed as crucial to the city's future.

Coun James Alexander, young people's champion for York Council, said: "This is brilliant news and we are delighted.

"This will make a real difference to the lives of a lot of young people in York. Education experts say the expected benefits for those involved are increased self-esteem, confidence, independence and aspirations.

"Extra-curricular activities are crucial to a young person's development and this announcement is a real boost."

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The scheme was first piloted in four schools in the Acomb area last year.

Angela Charlton, principal of Hob Moor Community Primary School which was involved in the pilot programme, said: "The children were really interested in the project and they all got involved in things they would not normally do.

"We have 320 pupils at the school and it gave them all a much wider opportunity to get involved in a wider range of extra curricular opportunities.

"We used the money to fund extra after school clubs, boxing clubs, library activities, cooking lessons for pupils and parents and it made a big difference.

"It was lovely to see.

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"The fact this is now going across York is a real boost for everybody in the city and it is very good news."

The council says the programme is focused particularly on helping children and young people who are eligible for free school meals, in care, living in temporary accommodation, or defined as vulnerable or children in need.

The roll-out of the scheme, which is being funded by a Government grant, was agreed at a meeting of York Council's children and young people services last week.