Synergy's Knitting Nanna's

1/29/2010

Synergy tenants have been delighted to be involved in a youth initiative, which aims to combat anti-social behaviour in Ferndown.

The housing association’s crafty residents, who meet regularly to knit items for premature babies, offered their knitting services to the young people involved in the initiative. East Dorset District Council and other local agencies have piloted a static outreach project in the centre of Ferndown. The agencies met with young people who in the past have been seen to be causing a problem there. A van equipped with hot drinks and biscuits visited the area every Friday until Christmas, often meeting over 40 youngsters. The members of the Craft Club at Synergy’s Castleman Court sheltered housing scheme provided the woolly hats to keep the young people warm!

Staff from the local services including the Dorset Youth Service joined Martha Perry and Debbie McClure from the East Dorset Community Development team, who all believe the initiative proved a success. Martha said "All those we engaged with were respectful and very grateful that we were there offering hot drinks and friendly advice."

It was hugely heart-warming to see the generosity. Three teenage boys from Ferndown have reciprocated with gifts for the ladies at the Craft Club which were delivered in person after Christmas.