Praying for a sunny October evening the VVU headed down to Somercotes estate in Basildon to see ATF’s afterschool community session which takes place in the play area and green communal space on Elizabeth Way, Laindon.
ATF is one of the projects funded through the 2024/25 VVU community grant.
The hour-long session is for any children on the estate to come and play, join in activities, and spend time with adults who will listen and talk. ATF’s presence on the estate is welcomed, with many parents giving a wave as they pass by.
We chatted to Jay and Kelly from ATF who spoke about the importance of the continuity of ATF being there week in, week out, creating safe spaces outside, in all weathers.
By being there week in, week out they build the trust and rapport with young people and some weeks up to 30 young people choose to join in with the football, dancing, crafts, archery and basketball on offer.
The programme wants to build the idea of community, creating a feeling of family and, using the inspirational stories of some of the ATF employees who support the Somercotes project, (who have come from troubled backgrounds, but have overcome adversity) they instil the belief in the young people from the estate that there can always be a positive pathway and life can be fun, safe and fulfilling.
