Heywood’s Young Spirit

“Heywood’s Young Spirit” is the new name and brand for the New Heart for Heywood funded project Youth Activity Programme. The project which is managed by Crime Concern is designed to develop young people’s participation in services across the town.

The re-branding process has been entirely managed by the young people involved in the project and a professional design company has been involved to offer help and advice. As part of the re-brand the young people attended workshops about brand awareness and logo design.

The new name and logo were unveiled at a launch ceremony which was held at Woodland Community Primary School, Regent Street. Amongst the invited guests was the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale Borough, Councillor Peter Evans, representatives of New Heart for Heywood and Crime Concern and Gary Buxton, Chief Executive of the National Young Advisors Charity who have been working with the project.

All those present complimented the young people on the work they had carried out so far and Chairwoman of the New Heart for Heywood Partnership Ellen Wintle-Yates said: “I think ‘Young Spirit’ reflects a positive image for the youth of Heywood. The multi agency working that continues to be carried out in Heywood to engage with the youth is showing very positive results and those young people currently involved shows that. The youth of Heywood given the opportunity will continue to develop the services for young people.”

The launch event finished with a recital of a poem that had been written by the group to express their aims for the future of the project. It spoke of the need for more positive images of young people in Heywood, increased activities such as Youth Raves and more opportunities to build the aspirations of Heywood’s young people.

Those involved with the design process were also interviewed on Fusion Radio. Rory Birch one of the Young Advisors was asked about the Young Advisors and their work and Heywood’s Young Spirit he said: “This project is aiming to get more Young People from the local area involved in the activities that are available to them. There will be many opportunities for more and more Young People to have their say.”

Heywood’s Young Spirit are interested in speaking to any groups of Young People who want to be involved in organising events and activities and anyone wanting more information should contact Donna Becconsall, Participation Officer on 07717 290549.