Ashington Youth Advisory Committee Joins Forces with Established Riverside Groups to Expand Access to Water Activities
Ashington Town Council’s Youth Advisory Committee is launching a new collaborative initiative to complement and support the longstanding work of local water sports organisations at Wansbeck Riverside.
Building on the successful individual programs that Ashington Sea Cadets, Cambois Rowing Club, and Wansbeck Paddle Sports Club have run for many years, this initiative aims to bring these experienced groups together for a coordinated approach to increasing community participation in both on-water and shoreside activities.
Plans include a collaborative summer open day that will showcase the diverse range of existing opportunities, preceded by enhanced promotion of the individual open days and taster sessions these organisations have successfully delivered for years.
Richard Lucas, Chair of Cambois Rowing Club said, “We’re thrilled to be involved. We have been running our own community outreach programs for many years but have no doubt that we will benefit from being part of a wider Council led initiative that also includes our friends and neighbours at the Sea Cadets and Paddle Sports Club. Different activities appeal to different people but I would urge everyone to come along, try everything, and then sign up for whatever appeals to them most.”
The initiative acknowledges the expertise and dedication of these longstanding riverside organisations while seeking to help them reach new audiences, particularly those who might face barriers to participation. The collective approach aims to celebrate Wansbeck Riverside as the vibrant hub of activity it has been for years, while supporting the organisations' continued need for participants and volunteers.
S/Lt Mike Pearce, Commanding Officer at Ashington Sea Cadets said, “As a long-standing member of the River Wansbeck community, we are really looking forward to showing the wider public just what we can offer the youth of Ashington. We are very proud to be able to offer a wide range of activities utilising the river and the riverside. We hope that as many people as possible will take this opportunity to have a taste of what they could achieve with us and the other fantastic organisations here.”
"These riverside organisations have been doing exceptional work for many years," said Councillor Caroline Ball. "What's exciting about this initiative is that our Youth Advisory Committee recognised the tremendous value in these existing programs and want to help extend their reach to those who might not otherwise have tried these awesome clubs. By bringing these established groups together and supporting their ongoing efforts, we can help connect even more families to the fantastic opportunities that have always been available both on and off the water."
Communication and Engagement Officer, Sharon Parmley said, “The Youth Advisory Committee recognise and value the tremendous work these groups have been doing independently for many years. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the focus will be on bringing these experts together, supporting their existing programs, and helping connect more young people with the diverse riverside activities that have been successfully running for years."
Dates for the upcoming events, which will build upon the successful format of previous open days, will be announced shortly. In the meantime if you have any questions, please contact us admin@ashingtontownconcil.gov.uk
