AUGUST 14, 2008

AN award-winning Helensburgh group is in line for another top honour for its health and fitness programme for young people.

The Churchill-based Backchat Youth project received the Community Project of the Year award last year from Strathclyde Youth Club Association.

Now they have gone one better and gained a Great Scot award — which members will officially receive at a ceremony in Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel next month.

The latest success is due to Backchat’s 2008 programme theme: health and wellbeing. Project co-ordinator Jenni Crumless said: “Over the course of this year we have looked at all aspects of youth health. This has involved weekly sports and fitness sessions at Faslane Sportsdrome led by physical training instructors, regular workshops courtesy of the NHS health promotion team and ‘healthy Wednesdays’ where the young people have chosen to exchange their tuckshop for a fruit and smoothies bar once a week. “Everything from physical fitness to mental health is covered in our programme.

Each young person has an individual action plan for what they wish to achieve. Next term, for example, we will be turning our focus to happiness fulfilment and how young people can reach their full potential. hrough developing life skills.” Backchat member Kerri White, 11, said: “I think my favourite health thing is Backchat Behind the Wire, cos you get to try different sports and games every

week.” Another member Ieuan Rodden, 17 said: “It’s been good to have the opportunity to take part in activities and workshops that you can’t always access locally.” The programme came to a climax following a trip last term with young people enjoying a variety of activities on an adventure holiday in Devon, which involved speed sailing, body boarding, abseiling and climbing. During the five day ‘surf n turf’ adventure, 28 young people and nine leaders, made their way to Beam House, set beside Westward Ho Beach. Of the venture Stewart Whiteford 13, said; “I had a brilliant time in Devon. My favourite activity was surfing,” while his brother, Craig 11, added: “Devon was my best Backchat trip ever.” Jenni added: “The trip is defi

nitely something we’d all like to repeat – leaders and young people alike. There was so much to gain from the experience, from using team work skills, to conquering fears and boosting self esteem. It was fantastic.” Backchat Youth project would like to thank the Helensburgh community for supporting their project, with a special mention to Helensburgh Rotary Club (Garelochside), the Lions Club and The Round Table for financial contribution and Helensburgh Swimming Pool, the Royal Navy and Babcock Marine for all their help.