Living in a worldwide pandemic, I feel more scared and anxious the third time round than I did the other two. I feel I have to watch the news now in the hope that there is going to be a positive and we will go back to ‘normal’ but deep down I feel that isn’t going to happen for a while.
I know there is a lot of negativity going on in the world now, but I want you to know you are not alone and we are all in this together.
Whilst we are talking about together and support, I would like to tell you about some of the things I have been doing with my Pilgrim Street SEND Youth group.
We are still having our weekly voice group and dance sessions but online. This was strange at first but now we are used to it and I am thankful that we still get to meet up. It is nice to see everyone smiling and being ‘with each other’ again.
We hosted an online festival that spread over one whole weekend in September. We named the festival PILGRIMBURY. We created some fun choreography and a flash mob (there is a video if you would like to be part of something very big and exciting in the future?). Throughout the weekend we had debates for different ages, genders and all needs. The weekend was packed with fun activities and dancing through the decades. This was all run entirely by young people.
Being online meant our parties and shows would also be online. We held our own SPOOKYBURY Halloween party and in the sessions building up to that, we made and choreographed our dance, drama, photography and singing pieces. This was so much fun learning about different characters, how to use the camera screen to be funny and use the space you have safely.
SPOOKYBURY was fantastic for us young people as we ran it all from start to finish, hosted the games and introduced the dance pieces.
Our Christmas party was held on Friday 18th December in the evening. We all dressed up in Christmas themed jumpers and hats! It was exciting as we played different games introduced by different members of the youth voice group, singing and dance performances. Around 60/70 young people and staff attended and all shared the Christmas spirit.
Throughout the days leading to Christmas, we listened to feedback and arranged to hold sessions for our vulnerable members. We had activities such as quizzes, bingo, card making, bauble decorations. After Christmas we held sessions for heading into the New Year. These were all about positivity and having a positive outlook for moving into a New Year.
I want you to know that it is ok to not be ok. I will give you a list of ways and ideas I use to keep safe, happy and motivated.
Ways to stay motivated:
- Set some goals that you will be able to achieve and you have a passion for. For example, walk for 10,000 steps a day.
- Make sure you are not putting pressure on yourself.
- Find a new hobby/interest.
- Spend time with the loved ones in your bubble.
- Exercise- remember to get at least 1 hour of energy burning exercise daily.
Make sure to follow the rules.
Always remember.
HANDS – wash or sanitise your hands
FACE- make sure, if you can, you wear a face mask
SPACE- always remember to keep to 2 metres