Brand New Girl’s Group Launches with Pizza and Hot Chocolate

Jan 13, 2017Oct 14, 2022 / North Halifax Partnership / Leave a comment

Thursday 12 January saw the successful launch of the brand new Project_Twelve:31 Girls Group at Forest Cottage in Ovenden. 20 girls and a variety of partners of the project braved the cold to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a slice of pizza whilst talking together about some of the activities that will be on offer.

Over the coming 50 weeks these ‘girls only’ sessions will include educational and confidence building activities will address issues relating to anger management, relationships, legal rights, responsibilities, risks associated with drugs and alcohol and healthy living and diet.

Sessions will be structured in a way to allow the young women to have fun and let off steam in a positive way including physical and sporting activities that build confidence, strength and fitness.

Danielle, a parent whose daughter signed up to on the night, said

“What a fantastic variety of activities – I’m really looking forward to my girls starting the programme. I wish I could join Girl’s Group!”

Karen Scanlon, Ovenden Initiative, said

“I think there are so many pressures on young people these days, especially girls who are expected to do well at school, manage friendships on social media whilst at the same time being bombarded with unrealistic images of females in the media. This bespoke Project_Twelve:31 programme aims to build positively on a the girl’s personality and existing strengths, and to support her to flourish as a strong and confident individual”

If you missed the launch, it’s not too late to join us…. The first session is on Thursday 19 January from 6pm to 9pm at Forest Cottage, Ovenden and is open to any girl aged 12+.

For more information about the programme please call Karen on 07434 702896 or email Karen@ovenden-initiative.org.uk

Bus with a difference provides unique place of safety for Halifax party-goers

Dec 18, 2015 / North Halifax Partnership / Leave a comment

A different kind of bus can be seen in Halifax Town Centre on Saturday nights throughout December offering shelter and support to party-goers and revellers who may be feeling the effects of an evening drinking.

Donated by BusOasis via the Calderdale Methodist Circuit, the vehicle is stocked with bottled water, flip flops and spikeys; Parked up on George Street, the bus is also kitted out with mobile phone charging points and hot drink facilities.

Volunteers offer advice, guidance and support to users, and can help them to get home safely by referring them to licensed taxi’s home, or by making sure they are safely inside one of the nightclubs or bars, and not left wandering around vulnerable in the town centre.

BusOasis Lead Worker Sharon Lawrance said;

“Busoasis has worked successfully with police in Halifax town centre over the last 18 months tackling ASB in and around the bus station area. We are very much looking forward to extending that work with them and the Street Angels to provide a safe refuge for party goers leading up to Christmas.”

The bus will be parked up in George Street between 8pm and midnight again this Saturday 19 December… read the full story here…

Illingworth Ward Forum feedback

Dec 18, 2015 / North Halifax Partnership / Leave a comment

Click here for a note of the meeting 10th December 2015, including:

Local Police update and Neighbourhood Watch
Calderdale Council’s budget consultation feedback
Update on Abbey Park
Youth outreach in Illingworth by Busoasis

The next Illingworth ward forum is on Thursday 10 March, venue to be confirmed.

Are you a Young Person living in Illingworth?

Nov 13, 2015 / North Halifax Partnership / Leave a comment

Sharon Lawrance, Lead Community Worker and Karen Scanlon, Ward Link Worker for the Ovenden Initiative were out and about in Illingworth on Wednesday night with the BIG yellow Bus providing youth provision for young people aged 11-18 years.

Busoasis is a Calderdale Methodist Circuit Church funded project which comes in the form of a bright yellow Double Decker bus which is used for outreach and community youth work.

Busoasis The bus has 4 TV screens which can be used for watching DVD’s, game consoles such as PS3, Xbox one, and Nintendo Wii. It is also currently equipped with an IPad a Samsung Galaxy tablet and full Internet access.

Bus Oasis will be parked at Keighley Road Surgery Illingworth every Wednesday evening with access for young people from 7pm to 9pm so if you are a young person why not come along and join in the fun, with Tea, Coffee and Juice available along with Crumpets and Toast.