Newry Youth Centre celebrates first birthday
St Patrick’s and St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Newry recently celebrated the 1st anniversary of their Youth Centre, The Basement.
They kicked off the celebrations with a light lunch supplied by ladies from the church followed by the cutting of the cake by Bishop Harold and Bishop John McAreavey (Dromore).
Louis the Entertainer amused the younger children while the youth made full use of the football cage provided by Nomad YFC Team. This was then followed by a live dance workshop with Sorcha Rooney.
Revd Kingsley Sutton, rector of St Patrick’s and St Mary’s, gave great credit to Children’s and Youth Work Facilitator, Dave Dawson and his team, whose vision it has been to get the Youth Centre up and running.
Mr Sutton said, “The Basement is rapidly becoming a recognized ‘chill–out’ zone for young people and we hope that they will see and know that the church in Newry is actively interested in their well being and development.”
The Basement Youth Centre was born out of a desire to create a safe space where young people can come and be accepted for who they are. It is open three times a week – Monday and Wednesday 3pm–5pm and Saturday 9pm–11pm. It is equipped with game consoles, pool and football tables and has already been a great success in its first year.