30/05/2014 - Permalink

‘Dragons Den’ to hear event ideas from Oswestry young people

Related topics: Community / Partner organisations

Last year Oswestry Community Alcohol Partnership (OsCAP) was successful in running a creative writing competition for young people in Oswestry supported by The Marches School and Oswestry School.

Pupils were invited to write a story or a poem about alcohol and how it has affected them.  The response to this competition was fantastic, and the number and quality of entries exceeded our expectations.  We also organised a number of events, such as CAP Fest supported by Fusion Arts Oswestry in Cae Glas Park.  This year we are trying something different again.

OsCAP wants to hear young people’s ideas for events and activities over the summer holidays.  We understand that sometimes events and activities are put on that they have had no involvement in and sometimes little interest in attending.  This year we are doing things differently.  We are asking them what they want.

Not only is this a chance to have things happening in Oswestry they want to be part of, it is a chance to be part of its creation.

All they have to do is answer a few questions.  The important thing is that it is something they want to do, and will attend.

Once everyone has had their chance to work on the concept of the event/activity, they will have a chance to present it to our ‘CAP Dragons’.  Like on Dragons Den, they will have chance to present their idea and answer any questions that the ‘dragons’ have.  Following this they will find out if it will be their event happening this summer.

There could be live bands in the park, a tennis tournament, workshops, a skate session, the possibilities are many.

The maximum cost allowed per concept is £500.

This event is being supported by The Marches School and Oswestry School, and pupils should speak to a member of staff at their school for a chance to take part.

Event ideas will be heard on Friday 13 June 2014 at The Marches School.

Councillor Vince Hunt, Chair of Oswestry Community Alcohol Partnership, said:

“I am delighted that we have secured funds to be able to run this event.  Following on from the success of last year’s writing competition, this event will give the young people of Oswestry the ability to design the activities they want this summer.  With grants of up to £500 per event, and a commitment to help them stage these events, it puts their summer programme into their hands, where I believe it should be.”

For further information please contact Steve White, Shropshire Council’s community enablement officer, on 01691 677287 or steve.white@shropshire.gov.uk.