Barefoot Summer Update

A sunrise swim and loads of land-based activity this spring!
Sunrise on June 21st saw brave swimmers take to the water for our second Summer
Solstice Sunrise Swim fund-raiser. With early morning ‘dippers’ on our doorstep at Tinside
and Firestone Bay, a little further at Cawsand and a lot further away in Spain and Sweden,
it was another great effort for Barefoot and our vital youth work. Huge thanks to everyone
who took part or sponsored swimmers. And a special mention for teacher Melissa who
masterminded two big groups of swimmers from Plymouth schools and Jon, Carly and
Stewart, our swimming staff and Board member.

What were they swimming to support? Well this spring we’ve been busy with two diversity
projects in St Budeaux and Ernesettle, a young person-organised Jubilee Dog Show in
Whitleigh and a multi area watersports day at Mount Batten. That’s not to mention the start
of Muay Thai Boxing sessions in Whitleigh, courtesy of Street Games, and a new dance
project with Exim Dance bringing young people together from Ernesettle and St Budeaux.
Special thanks to the Co-op and Ernesettle councillors for supporting our new dance
project and PB Media for funding the watersports day.
Our regular youth sessions have been engaging increasing numbers of young people in all
three areas, including peaks of over 60 in St Budeaux on Fridays and 50+ in Whitleigh on
Wednesdays, with a big surge in participation by 10-12 year olds. This is more proof that
there is a huge need for the provision that we are offering. Post Covid (we hope) young
people are desperate to safely socialise, take part in fun activities — many of which they
could never afford — and build relationships with trusted adults who will listen to their
problems and fears and offer support.
In St Budeaux, officers from the Child-Centred Policing team and our partners at Plymouth
City Council Youth Service have acknowledged our part in drastically reducing anti-social
behaviour, making the area more pleasant and safer for young people and other residents.
So onwards and upwards into the summer, with more activities for young people to enjoy
and planning under way for our second major fundraising event on October 2nd: a
Dartmoor sponsored walk with a difference! Watch this space…