News and Updates
All the latest from Sk8side Youth Centre
Easter Holidays + More!!
Wednesday 13th March 2024
Hi everyone! It's been a while since we updated here as we have been as busy as ever and have had 2 members of staff leave to bigger and better things and been training up new volunteers. There may be opportunities to work some hours with us as well soon, so please pop in and speak to Deirdre if you are interested.
Now on to the work! Our Easter Programme is now live which you find on our website here and over on our Facebook and Instagram pages! We have plenty of activities happening and a few trips though places are limited so get in quick to avoid disappointment!
This is as well as the sessions we are running in Tenterden and Bockhanger. In Tenterden we are at the pavilion on the recreation ground which is open from 3.30 - 6.30pm Monday to Wednesday. During the Easter holidays we will be opening from 1pm.
In Bockhanger we will be outside the Bockhanger Shops on Wednesdays from the Easter holidays and working with Sports Connect on Thursdays at the Rectory Way park on Beecholme Drive delivering a football and sports session which is already taking place on Thursday afternoons from 4.30 - 6pm.
Aside from the usual activities and sessions we run at the club some of our members are also taking part in the Sk8side "Gr8 Don8" - a scheme we are running where young people run activities to raise money for their club. The next one will be a garage sale that one of our members is running. So if you have any unwanted items or want to help with the fundraising efforts, pop in and speak to Deirdre and let us know how you might be able to help.
Summer Programme 2023
Thursday 13th July 2023
With summer right around the corner we have now got our summer programme up live on our website. Head over to the page here and you can download a PDF for free with all the dates and activities listed!
Easter Programme, Stay Safe Workshops + More!!
Tuesday 11th April 2023
We hope you all had a great Easter! We still have some exciting activities planned for the second week of the holidays this week including a trip to Stour Centre to use their climbing wall and a football tournament on Saturday. You can find out more by heading to our facebook page and clicking on this link.
We are also running a couple of Stay Safe workshops aimed at young women and exploring the themes of staying safe on our streets. If you are interested or would like to get involved, get in touch and speak to one of the youth workers. You can find more information here.
Lastly, in the run up to summer we are looking for musiciansand young people who want to perform at our next sk8fest in the summer. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please get in touch and come along to our music sessions every Friday between 3 - 6pm during term time.
Supper At Sk8side, Updated Opening Times + More!!
Thursday 9th March 2023
In the current climate we recognise the extra financial pressures on families. So, in order to assist in this, we have been given a grant from Ashford Borough Council to run a supper club at the centre.
Monday to Friday every week at 5pm we will be providing a hot meal and dessert to any of our members – free of charge……Come and Join Us!!!
We have also updated the opening times listed below which shows all of our current projects and what times they are running.
On top of this we have a page on Ashford Community Lottery, and if you buy any ticket from our page for £1, not only can you win some top prizes, sk8side automatically receives 50p from that which goes towards keeping our services and projects running for young people in Ashford. If you wish to buy tickets just follow this link and click on the button: https://www.ashfordcommunitylottery.co.uk/support/sk8side-cic
Thank you and please share!
Christmas Closure Times
Monday 12th December 2022
As is customary we will be closed for a period of time over Christmas and New Years so that we can spend time with our families, friends and loved ones.
Our last day is Wednesday 21st December and will be having our Christmas Party from 3pm - 8pm, and will have games and food. Costumes or dressing up is encouraged.
We will then be back in the centre Thursday 5th and Friday 6th January for essential redecorating and maintenance only. Some members and volunteers may be in the building to work with staff on these jobs though please note we will not be open for our usual services, sessions and projects. We will be open as normal from Monday 9th January 2023 onwards.
Healthy Activities and Food Programme
Monday 12th December 2022
A programme has been set up for families who struggle to provide activities and food for their children over the holidays. You can find out more information and check if you are eligible by going to this website: https://www.theeducationpeople.org/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-kent-haf/welcome-information-for-families/?fbclid=IwAR22Q3BKaWF6YtvLinFiI7oCxaWr5KhvYbYcAACUkFL2wN3ExU_ULUb3ADw
If you go on to the site and scroll down, there are a list of the Kent districts, eg Dover, Ashford, Folkestone, etc. If you click on the one you want it downloads a Word document which you can view with a list of providers and what they are offering to people. There are too many for us to list here though please get in touch if you would like any help with this. You can also contact the HAF team directly by going on to the website and clicking on the contact us page and they will be able to help you.
Vicky Park Take Over Day!
Tuesday 26th July 2022
As part of the Vicky Park Kids Takeover - on Tuesday 26 July - we will be running some skateboarding in the park – scooters and bikes also welcome. Come and join us at the Fountain!
Thursday Night Football
Tuesday 28th June
On Thursday nights we will be having Charlton Athletic coming to Civic Park, Tannery Lane and running some Football sessions from 6 - 8pm. Anyone can come along and turn up and play. Please get in touch if you want more information or wish to sign up as a member. Starting Thursday 7th July.
VP Rides - Sk8side Bike Day in Vicky Park!
May 2022
Sk8side Youth Centre - in partnership with the Vicky Park Regeneration Team - will be running a bike event in the park on May 7th.
It starts at 12.00 and goes on until 6pm.
There will be a range of challenges for keen bike riders including tricks and road races. Sk8side will be there to support and encourage anyone wanting to take part and local bike groups will be there with displays.
To keep up to date with what will be happening follow us on our social media...
We Are Recruiting!
Monday 18th October 2021
We are recruiting!
We have 3 posts available for Peripatetic Youth Workers: 6 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, and 9 hours for a Skate Project Worker, to join the Sk8side team.
The roles will include working in the Sk8side Youth Centre in Ashford as well as some outreach and detached work.
Interested? Email Deirdre on deirdre@sk8side.org for job descriptions and an application pack! Closing date is Friday 29th October
Bockhanger Community Facility
Thursday 7th October 2021
Do you live in the Bockhanger area? If so Ashford Borough Council would like to hear from you about the proposed new community building to replace the old Bockhanger community centre.
You can send your views via the council website - available from the homepage at www.ashford.gov.uk or via https://haveyoursay.ashford.gov.uk/BockhangerCommunityEvent/consultationHome
The consultation is open until the end of October ……so, have your say now!
Our Current Programme is now up!
Monday 8th March 2021
After a busy time supporting young people at the centre, we have now updated the December programme section on our website, and have replaced it with "Current Programme" which we will update as we go in the current climate.
Please click here to view our current programme, and check back week to week to be aware of any updates.
Please note that we are not open for drop ins, and if you wish to attend a support session, you must book in advance with Deirdre. DM us on social media or use the contact us form if you need help getting in touch with her.
Free Music Course for Young People from Virtuoso + Clarion
Thursday 7th January 2021
"Boxes of Hope" from ICM Ashford
Thursday 7th January 2021
ICM are offering "Boxes of Hope" to local families from Ashford over the next 3 months. Boxes include basic groceries, household items and even activities for the children and budget recipes.
Contact ICM on 01233-340194 or email info@icmashford.org.uk for more information or to discuss your needs.
Update for Next Week
Thursday 7th January 2021
Following the news from the government yesterday that we are going into a new lockdown, we regret to say that sk8side and the skate park will be closed. Please do not go to the skate park.
We will, however, be moving back to digital youth work. We will be posting our full offer on Facebook and Instagram next week. In the meantime I will be calling you to see what support you would like and what we could be offering. We look forward to hearing and seeing you soon
Deirdre
Update for Next Week
Friday 11th December 2020
Just to let you know next week is our last before we close for our break.
We would love for members to drop into our support sessions to check all is okay and have a few (Covid-Safe) nibbles.
We will be there from 3.00-5.00 on Tuesday 15th; 3.30-6.30 on Wednesday 16th; 2.00-6.30 on Thursday 17th; and Friday 18th11.00-7.00.
After that we will be closed from Saturday 19th December and re-opening on Monday 4th January
Victoria Park Youth Council
Tuesday 8th December
Want to have your say, and give your opinion, on what youth activities take place in Victoria Park in Ashford? Then this is the opportunity for you!
Click here to find out more!
Park + Write Competition
Tuesday 8th December
Ashford Borough Council and Victoria Park Ashford have launched a short story competition for those of you who enjoy creative writing or want to give it a go!
You can find more details including competition deadline and prizes, here...
Christmas Lanterns
Monday 7th December 2020
Love Ashford is providing kits for people to make their own Christmas lanterns. We have 50 available. Any young person or parent who would like a pack please call in and pick one up.
See our instagram post here to take a look at them!
December Programme
Monday 7th December
As you know by now we have been placed in the Government’s Tier Three which restricts our delivery. Therefore, from Wed 2 December to Friday 18 December, we will be delivering a similar programme to the one delivered in lockdown.
Click here to see the programme...
Deirdre
Lockdown + December Programme
Thursday 25th November 2020
We will be running our lockdown programme up to and including Tuesday 1 December.
As Sk8side closes for its’ winter break on Friday 18 December we will be putting together a short programme for the period in between.
We will post info when it is ready.
Deirdre
Make Your Mark!
Thursday 12th November 2020
We are continuing to put updates on our Facebook page throughout lockdown.
We have just put up a link for "Make Your Mark" - an opportunity for young people to decide which issues will be debated in the youth parliament, and a chance to make your voice heard.
Click here to go over to our Facebook page, and find the link to place your vote.
November Lockdown Update
Wednesday 4th November 2020
As you are aware the government has declared a national lockdown until, at least 2nd December. In line with this Sk8side has closed the centre and stopped all its’ normal delivery.
Click here to see what we will be doing during this lockdown...
Free School Meals from KCC
Tuesday 27th October
We have been made aware that Kent County Council are offering a £15 voucher to help with meals during the half term for those who are on free school meals.
Call 03000 41 24 24 or visit www.kent.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals to apply online.
Please share with as many people as possible.
Half Term @ Sk8side
Monday 26th October 2020
Just to let you know Sk8side is continuing its’ delivery from the Youth Centre in Tannery Lane. We are working on the patio with social distancing in place. We have a half term programme planned with a winter programme from 1st November. We will have some patio heaters to keep us all warm. There is a lot going on…..
October Half Term……
We will be opening, as usual, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri and Sat afternoons from 3.00. We will also be running the Ashford Hunt, the Bike Project and having a Halloween party. If the weather allows we will have the Girls Skate Project running on Wednesday evening. Come and join us!
Deirdre