I am taking part in the Super Sprint Triathlon in Harrogate on 28th April to raise funds for Youth Focus North East. Youth Focus North East works with young people aged 11-25 supporting them to make a positive change for the people they meet, the communities they live in and the different organisations they connect to.

Youth Focus North East have been working with young people from the Springwell Estate since the devastating death of their friend Tomasz Oleszak in October 2022. They hold an open access youth session every Tuesday and Thursday evening where there are sports activities, crafts and games to keep the young people engaged. However, some weeks they just want to listen to music, chat and kick a ball around in the hall. They view the sessions as a safe space and now regularly open up to the workers about their lives, feelings and worries. When funding allows, specialist topic sessions are made available – mental health, wellbeing, drugs and alcohol etc.

The young people are provided with a meal during the session which they decide, prepare and cook themselves. In previous sessions the young people have created a memorial garden for Tomasz and campaigned with the local council for additional street lights along “the lines”.

Without external support and fundraising, Youth Focus North East will not be able to work in local areas and support the young people. All funds raised from the triathlon will go directly to the youth sessions in Springwell.

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