Silksworth and Ryhope - Down Your Way

Blue Watch Youth Centre, Ryhope, has continues to support young people, aged 16 to 18, in gaining further qualifications and works experience in order to equip them with confidence, employment and social skills to be able to progress into further education, training or employment.

It currently offer the study programme in partnership with Springboard Trust. Anyone aged 16 to 18, who aref not being in education, employment or training may apply to join the programme. It consists of the AQA Personal Social Education Certificate, and the British Heart Foundation Heart Start Certificate. In addition, anyone who does not currently have a GCSE Grade C in English or mathematics, will be able to join sessions aimed at helping you to achieve Functional English and Mathematics qualifications up to level 2. Elements of the Personal Social Education are aimed at developing employability skills, confidence, teamwork, social interaction and academic ability, in addition to gaining work experience and support in progressing into further education, training or employment at the end of the programme. Subject to eligibility, daily meal vouchers and bursary payments are available during the period of the programme, which runs each week from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm. Recent funding obtained from Virgin Money has given the project the opportunity to run short courses in Employability Skills, Food Safety & Nutrition, First Aid, and gain work experience, tailored to the needs of the individual to assist them in gaining employment. Drop-in sessions are also available to do job search, complete paper or online application forms and construct CVs. If you wish to find out more about these programmes, contact Denis Crompton, Senior Worker at Blue Watch Youth Centre, Burdon Lane, Ryhope, or ring 0191 5214060, or email [email protected]

The IM Church, Silksworth (behind Blind Lane), is presenting the Millfield Salvation Army Band in concert on Saturday at 7pm. All proceeds are in aid of the Nehemiah Project, providing school and health care facilities in Ghana. Tickets are £5, which includes refreshments. To reserve your ticket, ring 5213 278.

Ryhope library is holding free craft activities for children during the Easter holidays. Today from 2pm until 3pm, make 3D rainbow spring card to take home; Tuesday, April 5, 2pm to 3pm create a ladybird. Both sessions are suitable for children of all ages but under-eights must be accompanied by an adult. Further information, contact Ryhope Library on 0191 561 4444.

A blood donor session will take place at Silksworth Community Centre on Sunday from 10.05am- 2.05pm and from 1.35pm-4pm. For more information, ring 0300 123 23 23.

A Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting will be held in Ryhope Library on Tuesday, April 12, at 4.45pm.

Silksworth Royal British Legion is holding a charity evening on Thursday, April 14, from 7pm to 11 30pm in aid of Sunderland Royal Hospital Baby Care Unit. Tickets are £1, available from the club.