Meet the team keeping Wigan youngsters engaged and active in lockdown

Wigan Youth Zone has gone online and is using the full range of modern technology to support the borough’s youngsters during the coronavirus crisis.
Nikki Varley doing a broadcast on InstagramNikki Varley doing a broadcast on Instagram
Nikki Varley doing a broadcast on Instagram

Virtual Youth Zone is enabling staff at the Parson’s Walk facility to engage with young people in Wigan and Leigh even with the government’s restrictions in place.

Activities and support sessions are continuing via phone, social media and the internet for young people aged between eight and 19 and those with a disability up to the age of 25.

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Youth workers are streaming sessions, many of them from their own homes, and content is being shared with young people through the youth zone’s Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Zoom accounts.

Quizmaster Mike McCurdyQuizmaster Mike McCurdy
Quizmaster Mike McCurdy

A full weekly timetable is posted up every Monday morning and a typical schedule involves includes a mix of fitness, cookery, arts and crafts, music activities, fun challenges and games.

Sikander Ali, head of youth work at Wigan Youth Zone, said: “We quickly adapted our offering to ensure local young people have access to our team who can provide them with the support that is so desperately needed.

“We are engaging with a large amount of our membership base and young people that may not have attended before and all are welcome in joining in with our fun challenges and games.”

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Personal trainer Eric Andrews has been streaming home fitness sessions while Andy Nicholls has been cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Other popular activities include an interactive quiz and Nik’s Hits, an Instagram music show hosted by Nikki Varley.

It’s not just about staving off boredom during the lockdown though, with the youth zone also offering support for those finding the current situation difficult.

Virtual one-to-one and small group sessions using online tools such as Zoom and Skype and one-to-one telephone calls are all being offered.

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Wigan Youth Zone is doing its bit to support the community too, opening its doors to Wigan Council and keeping youngsters such as those in care engaged and active.

There is also a weekly live Instagram session organised with Wigan Athletic Community Trust.

Sikander said: “The additional community support we’re providing is another example of how we’re trying to do everything we can to make a positive difference in what are very challenging times for many.”

The youth zone is also asking creative youngsters across the borough to share what they have been making during the lockdown on social media using the hashtags #YZathome and #VirtualYouthZone

For more information about the online schedule visit www.wiganyouthzone.org/the-virtual-youth-zone/

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