MP views youngsters’ graffiti art at Stockport skate-park

MP Ann Coffey will visit a Youth Action Stockport project offering young people the chance to take part in a series of graffiti art workshops at the local skate-park.  The project is part of the £300,000 central government funding which Stockport has received over two years to expand youth volunteering in the town.

There are many young people in Stockport who do not fit the traditional profile of volunteers, perhaps because they are affected by issues like homelessness, or because they are disabled or had problems in education.  It is these more vulnerable youngsters who can now access volunteering opportunities through the two-year projects led by Youth Action Stockport and Connexions.  Based at CVS Volunteer Centre, Youth Action Stockport offers a comprehensive package of support, training and a qualification for young volunteers.

Ann Coffey said: 

“One aim of this new funding is to help set up activities for young people who might not otherwise get many opportunities.  Instead of roaming the streets with nothing to do, these young people can offer a lot to their community if given some positive support.  It’s all about tapping into their interests and passions and building on that.”

This is the second graffiti project for young volunteers at the UKskate-Park in Stockport. The colourful murals from the first workshops are already on display.

With the help of graffiti artist Zach Turner, each of the young people is working now on an individual graffiti “canvas”.  When these are put together they make large team murals with positive messages like “Drugs and crime don’t Rhyme” and “Say No to Peer Pressure.”

To find out more about young people’s volunteering opportunities, go to www.wearev.com or call Mike at Youth Action Stockport on 477 0246