Outdoor action and graphic novel art help Blackpool youngsters focus on well-being

Vulnerable young people in Blackpool have been tackling mental health issues with the help of a super-villain and a touch of the great outdoors.
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Youngsters from the Blackpool Boys and Girls Club visited Brathay Hall near Ambleside where members from both the Victory Road Club in Brunswick Ward and the Mereside club teamed up to enjoy a weekend of fun and adventure.

And while there they followed up their work on well-being and overcoming adversity based on the Batman character Joker, which youth leaders said had been a major success allowing them to talk through issues.

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Ashleigh Threlfall, club lead youth worker at the Mereside club, said: “During the residential our young people had an opportunity to create a piece of art of their choice.

Youngsters from the Blackpool Boys and Girls Club on a residential  break in the Lake District at Brathay HallYoungsters from the Blackpool Boys and Girls Club on a residential  break in the Lake District at Brathay Hall
Youngsters from the Blackpool Boys and Girls Club on a residential break in the Lake District at Brathay Hall

“A huge vote between them took place and they decided the piece would be based on our recent Joker project which has been running across both clubs. We tasked our young people to create one piece each and to put all this together to create a final art-work.

“The joker project has been running in the club and has inspired many of our members.”

One of the club members, Emily, said: “The residential was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. I met so many lovely people and made loads of new best friends. I faced my fears and I gained new experiences that I never thought I would do.

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“We did a fantastic painting of the joker, to go along with all the the joker project work we have been doing in the club. We have been taking quotes and using them to start conversations about life. Our work is on display at Stanley park for all to see.”

Blackpool youngsters enjoying the challenge of the great outdoorsBlackpool youngsters enjoying the challenge of the great outdoors
Blackpool youngsters enjoying the challenge of the great outdoors

Connie said: “I loved the residential, there was a lot of fun people and activities. It was fun doing the joker painting, as we have been doing the project work in the club.”

Youth worker Dave Blacker said: “The Joker has been a tremendous success for us, we have more than 200 pieces of work exhibited at Stanley Park. It has really resonated with the members.

“When for example the Joker, in the film, says rather cynically ‘In the end it’s you v you’ we say, ‘no that’s not necessarily true, you don’t have to feel alone.’

"There are plenty of good people and organisations ready to help if you’re feeling down - and that the Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, is a safe place for young people to talk about your feelings.”

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