Charity secures funding from Government to
help get more children involved in Social
Action in Merseyside
Woodcraft Folk, the co-operative children’s charity run by volunteers
and designed to help develop young people’s self-confidence and
awareness of the world has secured funding from Government to help create more
opportunities for young people in Merseyside.
The organisation has received funding from Youth United
Foundation to help them deliver their New Groups Project
throughout Merseyside providing life-changing opportunities
to young people from all communities and walks of life.
And Woodcraft is on the lookout for children AND volunteers to get involved in these new
groups.
The organisation, which was founded in 1925 with equality, co-operation and friendship at its
core and whose motto is “span the world with friendship” is structured in a similar way to
more traditional uniformed groups such as Scouts and Guides with groups available for
children under 6 (Woodchips), 6-9 (Elfins)
right up to 16-20 (DFs) and focusing activities
on promoting sustainability and democracy.
However, Woodcraft Folk is much more than
a children’s play group. Yes, there are games,
arts and crafts, night walks and campfire
songs but were Woodcraft differs is that it
also teaches children about democracy,
sharing and working together on social
action projects, community events and
campaigning to make a difference.
Woodcraft Folk groups currently take place
on a Thursday night at Christ Church in Oxton
and are set to begin at Livingstone Street Play and Community Centre, Birkenhead and in
other areas in Wirral including Moreton, Leasowe and Tranmere. It is hoped that the success
of these New Groups will lead to other areas, including Liverpool developing their own
Woodcraft Folk groups.
Bidston & St James Councillor Brian Kenny commented: “The work that Woodcraft Folk do in
the community and the values and skills they encourage and promote are to be applauded
and I am keen for as many people in Birkenhead, Bidston and Leasowe as well as other parts
of Wirral and Merseyside to get involved.”
Indeed, this year will see more ‘Play Out’
sessions than ever taking place throughout
August, funded by the Youth United
Foundation, North Birkenhead Development
Trust and donations from the Oxton Society via
the Secret Gardens project. With free sessions
open to all ages, where children can try new
games and activities between 12 and 4pm in
Ilchester Park, Mersey Park and The Arno.
Activities will take place every Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the three
parks throughout August.
Cllr Brian Kenny added:”The summer holidays are the perfect time to get involved in
Woodcraft Folk activities. The groups are really good fun and many of the volunteers I’ve
spoken to have grown up in the Woodcraft movement and want to give something back to
the next generation. They are passionate about helping young people develop a social
conscience and a sense of responsibility for the planet and each other and that can only be a
good thing for our communities in Wirral.”
Louise Harland Davies, Woodcraft Folk’s Project Officer for Merseyside added: “Our New
Groups Project is designed to engage with as many children from different backgrounds and
walks of life as possible so that they may benefit from the opportunities available for our
Woodcraft kids. One of our teenage groups is going camping in Italy this summer. The
opportunity to travel abroad, learn new skills and meet new people can have a massive
positive impact on these young people especially when Woodcraft do all we can to make it
affordable for all.
“We are in the process of setting up more groups and activities such as summer camps and
weekend trips but we also need more volunteers to help create a fun and safe environment
for children to play and learn new skills. It is a hugely enriching organisation to be involved
with and we welcome new volunteers with open arms.”
If you would like to know more about Woodcraft Folk including dates and times of our
summer Play Out groups and how you can get involved in volunteering or setting up a new
group in your area visit www.woodcraft.org.uk If you are interested in setting up a new group
you will be guided every step of the way by our dedicated team in Merseyside.
[email protected] or 07421 745342
[email protected] or 07421 745339
[email protected] 07706 509716