An independence travel project including the London Challenge

Ten young people from Havering joined a hundred other young people from the five Olympic host Boroughs for a four day fun, inclusive sports residential experience. The ‘Time to Shine’ event was held at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Buckinghamshire, the birthplace of the Paralympic Games.

The event  organised by WheelPower - the national charity for wheelchair sports was funded by the Olympic park contractors.
Martin McElhatton WheelPower Chief Executive commented, “With two years to go before the Paralympic Games in London Time to Shine provides an opportunity  to inspire young disabled people to take part in sport. Sport can be a fantastic way to lead a healthy lifestyle, have fun and break down barriers in life”.



Members of the Sunday ‘Swim & Gym’ and the Saturday ‘SPOT’ youth projects run by Havering Integrated Youth Service came together for this fun programme of sport and social activities. The young people were supported and encouraged by youth workers to participate in a variety of different sports including wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball. They also enjoyed meeting lots of new people, including Mel Clarke GB Bronze medallist at Beijing games. (pictured above) Through working together in teams young people gained personal skills, self confidence and positive attitudes and there were many positive outcomes for every young person involved. This residential experience had a positive impact upon increasing the young peoples independence, especially as for some of the group this was their first experience of staying away from their family home.

During the awards ceremony at the end of the residential, Amy Hawkins, a young volunteer, was presented with ‘Outstanding Sports Women in Archery’. The Havering young people also won the group award of Time to Shine’s ‘Best Behaved Borough Award'. This demonstrated their awareness of positive behaviour, excellent team work, high respect and cooperation with others. Throughout the event all the group were a credit to our Borough, this positive unique opportunity definitely gave ten young people from Havering a ‘Time to Shine’.

For more details of ‘Swim & Gym’ or The SPOT – please contact Christine.hutchins@havering.gov.uk  or call 01708 340161


20/05/10: Newsletter #4
Click here to download


08/02/10: The S P O T

An exciting new Saturday youth group for young people 11- 19 yrs with learning difficulties & disabilities has been launched.

The Revellers Saturday SPOT provides ‘Supported Positive Opportunities for Teens’ every Saturday afternoon between 1.30- 3.30pm at the Albemarle Youth House, Harold Hill.



Revellers Saturday SPOT members are having a great time, meeting new friends, playing fun group games, learning new skills and developing greater confidences and independence through a varied programme of positive and enjoyable projects.

The current project “cooking & eating well” facilitated by expert chef gives the young people experience of cooking a range of simple meals and a good awareness of the importance of healthy eating .

A team of dedicated skilled youth workers support members involvement in activities, to work well together and to gain personal achievements. The group are encouraged to take volunteer roles within the group developing responsibilities and commitment to others.

New projects coming soon at The SPOT - Self expression, Circus skills workshops, Community involvement, Music making, Pets project, Creative art, Travelling experiences and Trips to London Theatres, Cinema and lots more.

The SPOT is funded by Aiming High for Disabled Children in Havering
Please contact Chris Hutchins 01078 340161 – mobile 07957340097
christine.hutchins@havering.gov.uk