Boost Youth Centre hours, say Liberal Democrats

Posted on 15th Dec 2009 by Lynne Featherstone

Liberal Democrats have called for the opening hours at the Muswell Hill Youth Centre to be increased, to let young people in the area have the same access to youth facilities as in other parts of the borough.

Information on staffing and costs at youth clubs was revealed, in a written response from the Labour Cabinet Member for Children and Young People to Cllr Gail Engert, at the last Full Council meeting on 30th November 2009. It showed that Muswell Hill Youth Club only opens for three hours on weekdays, in contrast to 5.5 hours at the Bruce Grove and Wood Green centres and opens for a total of 720 hours per year, compared to 1320 hours at others.

Cllr Engert has written to Haringey Council to urge that Muswell Hill Youth Centre is opened for longer hours, in line with other centres in the borough.

Cllr Gail Engert, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Children and Young People, comments:

“Giving local young people their own dedicated facility provides a much needed focal point, where they can meet and experiment with arts, sports and creative projects.

“It seems entirely unfair that young people in Muswell Hill have fewer opportunities than those in Wood Green or Bruce Grove, to attend their youth club.

“I will be writing to Haringey Council, to urge them to change this unfair situation.”

Lynne Featherstone MP adds:

“Haringey Council should give an equal opportunity to all young people to go to youth clubs, especially during the winter months, when outside activities are limited.”

Summer Uni at Muswell Hill Youth Centre

Posted on 17th Aug 2009 by Lynne Featherstone

Well – what a treat! Went to visit the Summer Uni at Muswell Hill Youth Centre. This youth club was for so long neglected by Haringey Council and closed most nights – but now thanks to work of local councillor LibDem Gail Engert and others it is not only open six nights a week but thriving. As you can see from the picture I had a good go at the ‘decks’ but am not giving up my day job in a rush. The boxing, the gym, the hairdressing and the cooking – all terrific fun and a great way to add real skills for future employment.

In the other picture you can see Akim – who manages the whole thing, and Seema Chandwani Deputy Head of Youth Service at Haringey Council who enthusiastically supports the scheme from the Council – together with Adam Jogee (UK Youth Parliament), and LibDem Councillors John Oakes and Gail Engert – and me!

Local Liberal Democrats have summer uni fun at local youth centre

Posted on 17th Aug 2009 by Lynne Featherstone

To get a flavour of this year’s summer university, Local Liberal Democrats and Youth Councillor Adam Jogee yesterday got an exclusive tour of the activities at Muswell Hill Youth Centre.

This year’s summer uni, now in its third year, has over 200 courses for young people aged between 13-19. At Muswell Hill Youth centre, Local MP Lynne Featherstone, Councillors Gail Engert and John Oakes, and Youth Councillor Adam Jogee, got a chance to sample some of this year’s fun.

The group met young people learning DJ’ing, cooking, hair design and boxing, and even got a chance to try out some of the activities themselves.

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“Summer uni is such an excellent way to spend activity filled summers days- learning new skills and making new friends.

“Muswell Hill Youth centre is just buzzing with activity, and I really had fun trying out the decks!”

Adam Jogee, Haringey Youth Councillor adds:

“It was good to touch base with the staff and summer uni participants at Muswell Hill Youth Club and see them enjoying the activities that move from success to success.

“Full credit to the hard working officers and to the passionate and committed young people.”