🌟 JPYC Autumn Update: Growth, Inclusion & Community Spirit 🌟

As we step into autumn, we’re thrilled to share highlights from a vibrant and impactful quarter at JPYC. Our youth service continues to thrive, with over 100 young people engaged and 96 formally registered. From summer adventures to exciting plans for the months ahead, here’s what’s been happening—and what’s coming next!

☀️ Summer Successes

Our Summer Activity Week was a hit! With up to 22 attendees on our busiest day, we offered archery, bushcraft, fitness sessions, and more—thanks to our fantastic partners at Steyning Downland Scheme and Places Leisure. The variety and quality of activities kept spirits high and attendance strong.

🎯 Skills for Life

We’ve expanded our skills development offerings, including:

  • Archery tuition
  • First aid
  • Sewing & upcycling
  • Fitness & music lessons

Feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the value of these opportunities.

🎃 Autumn Half-Term Plans

By popular demand, we’re launching an Autumn Half-Term Programme! Highlights include:

  • A Halloween-themed community litter pick
  • Our third London excursion, featuring a guided tour of HMS Belfast
  • Creative costume-making with Greening Steyning for our Monster Mash dance

🏃 Clubs & Membership

Junior Youth Club (Upper Beeding Sports Hall – Thursdays)

  • Average attendance: 25 (up to 32 on busy nights)
  • Membership fee: £2
  • Weekly income: ~£55 from subs and tuck
  • New split session model offers tailored experiences for active and creative preferences, improving behaviour and enjoyment.

Friday Night Youth Club (Steyning Centre – Ages 13+)

  • Attendance growing steadily (up to 8)
  • Transitioning older members from Thursday sessions

👥 Staffing & Inclusion

We now have:

  • 3 employed staff
  • 4 casual contract staff

One team member brings media expertise to amplify youth voice and civic engagement. We’ve also made our sessions more inclusive, especially for staff with hearing impairments, by creating quieter zones for better communication.

📚 Training & Policy Updates

  • Refreshed policies and a new Employee Handbook
  • Staff completing NSPCC Child Protection Training
  • Further training planned post-apprenticeship completion in October

🤝 Community Engagement

We’ve deepened our partnerships:

  • Neighbourhood Wardens interviewed youth on hate crime awareness
  • Collaborating with Horsham District Council on the Active Wellbeing Strategy
  • Promoting local events with Greening Steyning and SDS

🧠 Inclusion & Youth Voice

  • 12% of our youth are neurodivergent—supporting inclusion remains a priority
  • Plans for a monthly Zoom forum to elevate youth concerns to the Youth Council or Parliament
  • Upcoming educational content on employment, apprenticeships, and volunteering

📱 Parent Engagement & Responsible Tech Use

We’re planning a Parent Consultation Evening to discuss topics like smartphone use. Inspired by the Smartphone Free Childhood movement, we continue to allow phones at club—but our engaging activities mean they’re rarely used.

🏅 Celebrating Our Youth

We’re proud to give young people honorary roles like mentor and tuck shop lead. Our end-of-term family event drew over 70 community members for games, food, and fun. Certificates were awarded for achievements in gardening, archery, and first aid.

💬 Final Thoughts

JPYC is growing in numbers, quality, and impact. With strong community ties, a dedicated team, and exciting plans ahead, we’re committed to delivering meaningful experiences for every young person we serve.