Street Level News
25 years of Street Level
As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, we held a praise night in St. Andrews Church. It was great to be able to invite as our guest speaker, our first ever full time youth worker (the now Reverend) Stewart Cutler.
Stewart’s talk took us back to the beginning of the outreach work of Street Level and how it had been an important part of his development. He also praised the work that the project continued to commit to.
We also heard from Lily, who has been coming to Street Level for just a year, and from Megan who has been a regular for 12 to 13 years, both as a young person and as a volunteer. They told their “stories” and very eloquently told how Street Level had been an influence on them and what it had meant to them.
The “storytelling” continued with our current Project Leader telling us how he became involved as a volunteer and now has been the Project Leader for over 22 years.
We were also entertained by GRACE NOTES who provided some beautiful singing to assist us in praising and thanking God for all the blessings the project has received over the past 25 years.
There was also a letter handed in from one of our young people, Caitlin (Affectionately known in Street Level as “Jammies”). She said:
“25 Years E? That number comes with great power and great responsibility. Also with unthinkable levels of love and support for, potentially, thousands of young people, none of which would be feasible without the Street Level staff, who throughout the years have shed light on the lives of many, and led the way to a path much needed by many of the young people. However, to many of us 25 will be a difficult time of our lives, what some of us call graduation day. It’s our time as adults, shaped out and taught by the best to display all the preparation and hard work put into us over the years. As we leave and carry on projecting such lessons like patience, belief and guidance to others, just like Jesus did to his followers, and like you did with us. With 2353 days to go for me, I intend to progress with your tough knowledge and life lessons to prepare me for the life ahead of me. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Praise and thanks tonight would not be enough for everything you do for me and the rest of us “Your Children” Jammies xx
Live music returns to Street Level
On Friday 31st May after many years in the doldrums, the live music scene returned to Street Level with a BANG! With sets from young local band from Wishaw – The Latitude, a band all the way from Paris France – https://www.facebook.com/TheHowlinCityThe Howlin’ City and a show-stealing performance by our very own home-grown talent – Vienna & Matthew.
We are hoping to make this a regular event with possibly monthly gig nights. If you are in a band or know of anyone who would like the chance to perform get it touch with us. This venue is particularly (but not exclusively) to give young bands a chance to showcase their talents.
Our Garden Project
We built a raised bed and got plenty of pots and planters. The young people planted seeds and bulbs and tended to these.
We were able to harvest Strawberries, Raspberries, apples, tomatoes, peas, beans, potatoes, beetroot, spring onions and carrots and we were able to enjoy some barbecue days.
Young Carers – Bowling trip
The Young Carers group had a great time at M&Ds bowling on Wed. 6th March. We were pleased to welcome two new members to the group – WELCOME Sophie and David! And congratulations to Chloe for getting the highest score 141 points.
Our Young Carers Groups meet every second Wednesday from 5 pm to 8 pm
The groups at present consist of eight young carers from across both rural and urban South Lanarkshire.
The group offers young people an opportunity of a break from their caring role for 3 hours every fortnight and chance to have a safe space to meet with other young carers, socialise and take part in a variety of activities that this often disadvantaged group would otherwise miss out on.
71st Club
Our 71st Club offers new P7’s the chance of a specific night within the centre to link with S1 pupils from their destination high school. This can help build friendships and alliances and makes the transition process smoother when the new S1 pupils will already know other pupils from their high school and local young people from other feeder primary schools. Any transition for young people can often be difficult but some funding will allow us to look at new and innovative ways to assist in the transition process.
Do you have a few hours a month to spare?
Can You Help?
The Street Level Project is seeking new volunteers to join the management committee that oversees the work of the youth project. The committee is especially keen to hear from individuals with experience or expertise in book-keeping, fund raising, communications and secretarial administration. But even if you think you have no particular skills, if you have an interest in helping Street Level to carry out its mission, we would love to hear from you. As a management group we meet once a month for ten months of the year so it’s not a huge commitment.
If you are interested – or know of someone who might be, give us a shout.