Parents and Kids Together: Ballymena Central YCMA [NI]
Age Group: Theoretically 4 -10 year olds. In practice babies to 15-16 years old.
Specific Interest Group: Largely seen as a socially deprived area with some travellers registered with the programme.
How are the Children and Young People involved?
We have an after-school club for Parents and Children, 2 afternoons a week 3-5pm. We meet Parents 1 morning each week and they generally plan the children’s programme and must be involved with their children in the afternoon’s. Children also have a larger input and draw up their own behaviour contract.
Geographical Location
Dunclug Area, Ballymena
Do you use a specific model/guide/theme?
PAKT is a holistic family support model used in family youth work throughout YMCAs in Ireland. We operate 3 strands, programmes for children, parents and families based around monthly themes such as citizenship, environmental awareness, community safety etc.
What did or what has the project/initiative achieved in terms of positive change for the organisation or/and the children and young people?
Regarding the children and young people, our programme is cross community so it brings families together who might otherwise not mix together; it also widens their horizons as we go on monthly family outings.
Any further /additional information on your project/initiative?
PAKT has been externally evaluated as a successful community safety initiative and holistic family support project.
Contacts:
Alexandra McMeekin
Parents and Kids Together
19 Forthill Park,
Old Antrim Road,
Ballymena,
BT 42 2HL
E-mail:alexmcmeekin@googlemail.com
Tel:07928169739
