Eighty children will be putting their summer holidays to good use when they take part in a free education programme which launches this week.
Now in its eleventh year, Swindon Borough Council’s Young Wardens scheme provides awareness raising, education and fun for the children of council tenants.
The scheme is aimed at children aged between the ages of seven and 11, and is run by Housing’s Neighbourhood Warden team, who help to keep the town’s estates safe and clean.
This year the scheme will be running in Wroughton, Eldene/Liden, Moredon and Stratton and will be officially launched by Swindon Deputy Mayor Cllr Kevin Parry on Thursday (2 Aug) at Moredon Community Centre.
Road and internet safety will form part of the programme as will learning about stranger danger and fire safety. The teams of young people will make positive contributions to their local areas through litter picking, planting and other projects, while also learning about the importance of recycling.
Each of the four teams of Young Wardens will also have a fire station tour, hosted by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service.
The summer of activities will be finished off with a finale barbecue and fun sports day at Lydiard Park on Thursday, 30 August.
Cllr Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “Hundreds of children have taken part in the Young Wardens scheme over the years and we are expecting another good turnout this summer.
“The young people who take part show such enthusiasm and passion for their local communities, they really are role models. We are also very lucky to have such a fantastic Neighbourhood Warden team who do such a good job running the scheme each year.”
For more information about Young Wardens email: neighbourhoodwardens@swindon.gov.uk