New Streetwise youth group launched

Gloucester City Homes working in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council’s Youth Support Team and Barnwood Residents’ Association has officially launched Streetwise, a new team of young people to help support the local community in Coney Hill.

The concept of Streetwise is based on the GCH Junior Wardens Scheme, but with slightly older children who will be rewarded for good work in the community via a points system. Speaking at the launch of the event on the 13^th June, the Mayor of Gloucester, David Brown said: “I am delighted that the County Council and Gloucester City Homes have come together to work with such a positive group of young people.”

Echoing the Mayor’s comments, Gloucester City Council’s Sheriff, and Barnwood councillor Phil McClellan said: “This is great news for the Coney Hill community and will be a real positive to the young people who regularly attend “The Vibe” Youth Centre in the heart of the community. Schemes such as these will enable young people to have a positive impact and make a real difference locally.”

Streetwise will be managed in partnership and will focus on environmental improvements in the community especially around the Clock Tower Park. They will be working with Gloucester City Council’s environmental services team to help improve that part of the community and make sure that it stays that way.

Mike Groom, Chair of the Barnwood Residents Association who helped launch Streetwise said: “Coney Hill is sometimes reflected in a negative way, but there is a real sense of community and this will only help to create a more positive image of the area, especially for the young people in the community.”

Streetwise will be jointly supported by Sam Harness (Youth Support Worker) and Terry Elcock (Resident Involvement Officer) who have brought the young people together. Local Councillors, Tarren Randle and Lise Noakes were delighted with the launch of Streetwise on Wednesday evening both saying: “Great news and well done to everyone involved – we believe Streetwise will go from strength to strength.”