Whilst the Square Youth Cafe and other facilities managed by Hailsham Youth Service are currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, young people can stay updated, join in on discussions, take part in activities and keep in touch with the youth worker team via social media, including their Facebook and new Instagram pages.
Young people in Hailsham are encouraged to connect with discussions and take part in various online activities, including interactive challenges, quizzes, and recommendations on which films and TV programmes to watch and what games to play on their smartphones.
“Maintaining contact with young people and keeping them engaged with services is essential, especially with the continued closure of face-to-face services,” said Andy Joyes, youth project coordinator at Hailsham Town Council.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures currently in place, there have been a lot of changes to young people’s living circumstances. Keeping young people updated on social media and in touch with youth workers are important and, on our Instagram page in particular, we are producing lighter content and activities to keep young people engaged.”
The temporary closure of Hailsham Youth Service, which manages the Square Youth Café, Friday Night Project and Monday Youth Club, as well as various support services, is part of a Town Council-wide measure to combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, taking into account advice to residents to observe social distancing.
“With all the guidance from the Government still impacting in our everyday lives, we put measures in place to make sure we’re protecting the health and safety of young people in Hailsham and residents at large,” adds Andy Joyes.
“It’s crucial that we’re all following the latest health advice and it is our duty as youth workers to look after the health, safety and wellbeing of local young people who use our services and facilities, as well as our staff members. Our social media pages continue to help young people easily reach and engage with youth workers, until such time when we can reopen our centres and resume activities.”
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