By Patrick Gormley

patrick7gormley@hotmail.com

Volunteers

Would you like to engage in reward and fun work with young people? Would you like to contribute to our community?  Do you have an hour or two to spare each week? If so we can help each other.  St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre hopes to expand their programmes for young people and to do this we need your help.  If you are over 18, interested in working with young people in your local community, are available to volunteer at evenings and weekends you may be interested in volunteering in any of the following programmes: after school Club for Primary Level Students; Homework Support for Second Level Students, Youth Club for 8-12 year olds Primary Level Students; 16+ Youth Club or other Youth Activities as identified. They intend to hold an information evening for potential volunteers within the next few weeks to let people know about our volunteer policy and the supports and training such as child protection that we will provide for volunteers. As part of our volunteer policy, all potential volunteers will be supported by the Family Resource Centre to seek Garda clearance to ensure that they are suitable for working with children and young people. If you are interested in volunteering with us or would like to attend our information evening please contact Amanda Slevin on 074 9148551.

Parents’ forum

Are you worried or concerned about the health and wellbeing of young people and children in this area? Are there issues such as drug and alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour and lack of supports for parents that you think need to be addressed. If you would like to discuss these or related issues with a view to forming a parents’ support group, please contact Mary Crossan 074 9148551.

Dolphin dance school

A record success was achieved for the Dolphin Dance School at the Suzie Waite Championships on January 27 in Belfast. Every child of Wendy McBean’s dance group came home with at least one trophy. Cora Higgins got a trophy in each of her three sections – well done Cora! The girls from St Johnston were Gemma Duddy, Michaela Allen, Carla and Kiera and Georgia Keys and Cora and Keely Higgins as well as dancers from Wendy’s classes in Culdaff and Derry. Wendy is one very proud dance teacher. The girls are all working really hard. Congratulations from all of us at the Resource Centre to Wendy and all the children.  The children were aged from five to 14 years. The next big event will be the Northern Ireland championships. Good luck to all.