Youth Connections in new £100,000 Larkfield project

Youth Connections was recently awarded funding from the National Lottery Fund to continue their work in local schools and in the community.

The Next Step project launched with a fantastic cooking session led by community chef Jacqueline Simpson in St Andrew's Primary School.

Later in the day there was a Halloween-themed story telling session delivered by talented graphic novelist Paul Bristow at nearby Aileymill Primary.

St Andrew's Primary hosted a family cooking session. (Image: George Munro) Mask making with YOuth Connections at Aileymill. (Image: George Munro) Youth Connections project co-ordinator Karen Pollock said: "We are thrilled to announce our Next Step project, funded by the National Lottery Fund, which has brought some Halloween magic to families living in Larkfield.

"We want to thank everyone who participated and made it a 'spooktacular' day.

"We can’t wait for more exciting events in the future."

Community chef Jacqueline Simpson gets to work with Larkfield parents. (Image: George Munro) Aileymill Primary hosted plenty of Halloween fun thanks to Youth Connections. (Image: George Munro) Jacqueline worked with parents on healthy eating options for all the family with curried flavoured meatballs and other delicious treats.

Later in the day they were back for the storytelling session delivered by Paul Bristow followed with more Halloween-themed food and games that filled the air with laughter and joy.

There was lots of 'spooktacular' fun to be had at Aileymill. (Image: George Munro) One of Aileymill Primary's pupils with her mini Halloween pumpkin. (Image: George Munro) Youth Connections started off the Next Step initiative by speaking to families at Aileymill and St Andrew's and asking them what activities they would like to see.

Other sessions planned on Mondays after school at Aileymill include first aid, cyber security to make sure children stay safe on-line, and healthy eating education.

Karen and other volunteers have also been working on creating community gardens at Youth Connections, Aileymill, St Andrew's and Larkfield Early Learning Centre.