Friday Night Project Continues to Engage Hailsham’s Young People

Hailsham Town Council is proud to highlight the continued success of Hailsham Youth Service, which is delivering a dynamic and inclusive programme of activities for young people in school years 7 to 12.

At the heart of its offering is the well-established Friday Night Project (FNP), a much-valued initiative funded by the Town Council and delivered in partnership with a range of trusted local organisations. These include Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham Community College and Freedom Leisure, all of whom play an important role in helping to provide safe, structured and enjoyable activities for young people on Friday evenings.

The Friday Night Project has become a cornerstone of youth provision in Hailsham, offering a welcoming environment where young people can spend time with friends, try new experiences and stay active outside of school hours. The programme continues into May and late spring with an exciting and varied schedule designed to appeal to a broad range of interests.

An exciting programme of events has been arranged for the coming weeks, including outdoor activities at Knockhatch Adventure Park (Friday 24 April), a quiz night at the Station Youth Centre (Friday 1 May) and ten-pin bowling at Freedom Leisure (Friday 8 May). Additional activities scheduled include another trip to Knockhatch Adventure Park on Friday 15 May and Eastbourne Roller Disco on Friday 22 May.

The varied programme is designed to appeal to a wide range of interests while encouraging participation, physical activity and social connection.

Kerrie Potter, Youth Work Lead, said: “The Friday Night Project continues to go from strength to strength, and we’re delighted to be offering another fantastic programme of activities for young people in the coming weeks. Our aim is to create opportunities that are not only fun and engaging, but also help young people develop important life skills such as teamwork, communication and confidence.”

“More importantly, the project provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can feel comfortable being themselves, make new friends and enjoy positive experiences with the guidance of experienced youth workers.”

By working closely with local partners, Hailsham Youth Service ensures that all activities are well-organised, supervised and accessible, helping to remove barriers to participation. The initiative plays a vital role in keeping young people active, connected and engaged within their community.

Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Town Council’s Communities Committee, praised the ongoing efforts of the youth work team:
“Hailsham Youth Service continues to provide an invaluable service to our community. The Friday Night Project offers young people a safe place to go, where they can socialise and take part in a wide range of activities in a supportive setting.”

“For over two decades, the Youth Service has made a significant contribution to the wellbeing and development of young people in Hailsham and the surrounding areas. Its dedicated staff and partners should be commended for their continued commitment and enthusiasm.”