Last week in Rye News we reported on how seven young people had been issued with acceptable behaviour contracts following a late night incident in one of Rye’s care homes. Guy Harris, who stood for the LibDems in the 2024 General Election in Hastings and Rye, sent us this comment.
“That’s a really upsetting story, and it’s distressing to think that vulnerable care home residents were unsettled by a few bored and misguided young people behaving in a totally unacceptable manner. I don’t know the full details, but I hope they are in the process of learning their lesson in a meaningful way. It’s a tragedy for all concerned – not least the victims – that these lessons have had to be learned the hard way.
“Part of growing up is getting it wrong sometimes. And those of us who have a bit of time served on this planet need to do what we can to help the generation who will inherit our community. Because it’s not easy growing up today…
“In that spirit, a new initiative in Rye is going to see the old Rye and District Boys Club evolve out of the brilliant custodianship of its former trustees to become Rye Youth Zone, for boys and girls 11-17. Caroline Drummond and Cllr Sophie Thorpe have been the driving forces behind the project, and everybody involved is excited to begin our first sessions. Ultimately, the club will be based in the heart of our community on Mermaid Street, but we’ll commence sessions at the Tilling Green Centre. Rye Youth Zone aims to provide a safe space for our community to nurture the next generation: to keep our young people entertained, engaged, and mentored to make the right choices. I hope we’ll all support the project and perhaps even lend a hand.”
Please follow Rye Youth Zone on Facebook and look out for updates.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .
I hope Rye residents will get behind this new endeavour of a youth club so urgently needed for the bored youngsters.
Having said that, it is not just boredom, it’s unacceptable behaviour, feeling they are invincible and there are no consequences. Well there should be, apart from having to apologise to victims of their behaviour.
Give them a month of working in the community, individually, help in a charity shop, in the care home, anywhere to learn there are other ways of occupying themselves,. I realise, not easy, as it needs organising but …….