Summer activities at the Dovetail Centre

04/09/09

More than 170 young people enjoyed a week of free summer activities at Northolt community project the Dovetail Centre.

The 8-16 year-olds from local estates gained new skills in street dance, cricket, rugby, self-defence, art and football from professional coaches, including Brentford FC.

The 'Soul' week at the Dovetail Centre, attached to St Joseph the Worker Parish Church, was run by a team of more than 50 volunteers.

People were also offered an opportunity to reflect on "something bigger" in the interactive Soul Zone and a cafe for carers was open throughout the week, with free refreshments and pampering.

Youth project worker Chris Hill said:

"It was great to see so many young people queuing each day for up to 40 minutes before we opened and then enjoying a packed week of activities, which for many was their equivalent of a summer holiday away."

Funders of the Dovetail Centre youth project and community leaders were among those who visited during the week.

The Bishop of Willesden, the Rt Revd Pete Broadbent, said:

"This is a great example of a church being at the centre of its community. It was fantastic to visit during the week and to see all that was being done with the children and young people. Well done St Jo’s!"

Now into its 10th year, the Dovetail project is a grassroots organisation, run by local people for local people, and the doors are open 50 hours a week. It has almost outgrown its premises and the management committee are now looking to renew the building and broker new partnerships with existing funders and groups seeking to bring new opportunities and renewed hope to the community of Northolt West End.