Workers from the Town Council’s youth service team continue to maintain a presence in Hailsham as lockdown easing continues.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in liaison with Sussex Police and other authorities, Hailsham Youth Service remobilised its detached provision in June in specific areas identified as needing further support during the pandemic. The success of the detached work, in helping to keep antisocial behaviour low, has resulted in an increase of detached work engagement from three evenings to five evenings a week.
‘Detached’ or outreach youth work – which takes place outdoors rather than in designated young people’s centres – was stopped when lockdown was announced in March, but youth workers had recently returned to outdoor spaces in order to support young people experiencing a range of issues, including mental health, unemployment, isolation and loneliness.
Hailsham Youth Service has continued to remain in contact with young people remotely since the onset of the pandemic and consequential closure of the Square Youth Cafe and other local youth facilities, through its social media pages. The team’s Facebook and Instagram pages have enabled young people to stay updated, join in on discussions, take part in activities and keep in touch with the youth worker team – a service provision which has been welcomed by young people in Hailsham and parents alike. However, it has proven to be extremely beneficial to be able to engage face-to-face once more.
Youth Project Coordinator, Andy Joyes said: “Now more than ever, young people in Hailsham need help, advice and support to manage with feelings of isolation associated with current social restrictions and concerns about their future.”
“While the Square Youth Cafe, Monday Youth Club, Friday Night Project and our advisory services remain closed because of restrictions, Hailsham Youth Service has adapted to ensure that it continues to help young people and the community and ensure they’re safe, following government guidance on social distancing and getting the appropriate support during the Coronavirus pandemic.”
Currently, Hailsham Youth Service’s staff engage in detached work in the evenings from Monday to Friday, with two teams operating at any one time. Staff wear clearly visible youth service branded clothes so they can be found easily and the Service ensures that all detached work is carried out in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
It is hoped that face-to-face youth services/venues including the Square Youth Cafe and Monday Youth Club will reopen in the coming weeks, in addition to the opening of the newly established Hellingly Youth Hub. Details and updates will be announced in due course.
Regular updates and activities can be accessed on Hailsham Youth Service’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/HailshamYouthService/) and new Instagram account (www.instagram.com/hailshamyouth/).
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk