news line... news line...

Press, 4 December 1985, Page 16

news line... news line...

New youth course Young people wanting to gain confidence and learn leadership skills can take part in a new course being offered by the Young Women’s Christian Association. The course concentrates on individual qualities. It emphasises that the ability to communicate those qualities makes a successful leader and a confident and enthusiastic person, explains the courses’ organiser, Nigel Grimshaw-Jones. The course iss for anyone, regardless of their background or school report. “Everyone needs leadership skills, whether they are success stories or not . . .” The course includes role playing, public speaking, and lots of lively discussions. It is being run for school leavers and for young unemployed people. For more details about the youth transition and leadership course, phone Nigel Grimshaw-Jones, 63-063. Christchurch youth centre The centre hopes to have representatives from various government departments calling in to talk to young people. These might include the Labour Department, the Social Welfare Department, and the public health nurse. ■ A lot of young people feel intimidated when dealing with these departments, a youth centre staff member, Wally Stone finds. “If a

sympathetic person came to talk to them on their own .ground, it would be a step in the right direction for both parties.” Its important, he believes, for the youth worker to pass on the skills that young people need. “Once the skills to handle a situation are there, the rest will follow ...” Team sports Young people who want to meet others interested in forming a basketball team, volleyball team, or any other sports team should meet at the youth centre on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Wally Stone will also organise camping, fishing, climbing, and tramping trips in conjunction with groups already running programmes. “We don’t want to replace existing groups and programmes, but want to work in with them and encourage the kids who come in to the centre to participate. “After the first couple of times, we’ll expect them to contribute in some way and to take part in the organisation, until they are competent to take the responsibility themselves.” Concerts Three concerts have been organised at the youth centre for December. On December 8, a concert featuring The Bats, Birds ,Nest Roys, and Goblin Mix

will run from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. On December 13, a disco which has been organised by young people who use the youth centre, will begin at 6.30 p.m. and finish at 10.30' p.m. No Idea, Rainbow End, and All Fall Down will play on December 21 from 7.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.