Half-term help for pressured parents

It may seem like the kids just went back to school last week but it’s half term already and to give parents a helping hand, Cambridge Youth for Christ is offering a feast of free activities for all ages.

Kids clubs, youth cafes and community action projects are being coordinated by local churches in addition to a host of fun activities like cage football and multimedia ‘jam vans’.

The “Beyond Belief” programme of events launches on Sunday and will be running at 16 locations across the city throughout the week.

Around 300 young people from across Cambridgeshire are taking part in the event. They will spend part of the week working in teams on social action projects such as decorating community facilities and digging gardens.

One participant excited to be part of Beyond Belief is 17-year-old Chris Collinson.

“I’ve felt how good it is to give to others and I just couldn’t wait to sign up for Beyond Belief," he said.

"I get bored easily, especially if I’m just killing time at home. But this way we get to have fun and help others at the same time.”

Beyond Belief director Jim Overton said the event was about reminding people of all the great stuff on offer at their local church – and giving parents a helping hand.

“While we all look forward to a break, school holidays can be quite a headache for mums and dads,” he said.

Nicola Findlay, who left her teaching job to help launch the project as a volunteer, said it would provide opportunities for people from poorer backgrounds.

“Although there’s loads to do in our city, young people from some backgrounds simply can’t afford what’s on offer. For us, Beyond Belief will be the start of filling the gap,” she said.

Cherry Hinton Baptist Church is one of the 20 churches supporting the outreach initiative. Church pastor Nic Boyns said the visiting team of youths would help the church to open a youth café for the week.

He said: “The members of our youth group really look forward to weeks like this. We really look forward to welcoming young people from the neighbourhood to take part as well. We don’t have the resources to do all this ourselves, but it gives us a chance to build on the work that is done throughout the year.”