The Paris Independent
November 4, 2023
24
KIDS’ CORNER Drop-in youth centre returns to Paris’ Syl Apps Community Centre By Casandra Turnbull Completing EngageBrant surveys gives the county valuable feedback and, in some instances, can result in the return of much needed community services and programs. The County of Brant conducted a Youth Needs Survey this year where respondents commonly identified the desire to see a youth centre in Paris. Armed with that information and coupled by the fact that there’s an obvious absence in this type of programming, the Brant Youth Centre has reopened in Paris.
hangout for older kids. Unfortunately, the program was relocated to the Scotland Community Centre due to low attendance. It operated in Scotland until this past spring. The move to Paris fits the community request and is timely because enrollment numbers in Scotland were not sustainable.
to 5 pm. During the first month open, the Recreation staff will be soliciting feedback from attendees to find out what activities they’re interested in and to collect suggestions for special theme nights and future guest speakers. Youth who participate in the survey, available at the Youth Centre, will be entered into a draw where one lucky winner will receive a gift card at the end of November (see the youth centre for more details). “Our hope is to build the Youth Centre with the youth themselves, giving them the opportunity to be involved with decisions and ideas using a community development and community building lens, through this we hope to better capture youth needs in the County of Brant,” said Keczan.
“The main purpose of the youth centre is to offer a drop-in judgement free space for youth to hang out with friends, use various technologies, learn new activities and be active,” explains Suzie This drop-in program is hosted by Keczan, Director of County of Brant Recreation Staff at Communications and Public the Syl Apps Community Centre in Relations for the County of Brant. Paris every Tuesday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm (excluding holidays). The Youth Centre features a drop-in The Brant Youth Centre first opened space upstairs at the Syl Apps its doors in Paris at this same Community Centre on Tuesdays location back in 2016. The safe with video games, ipads, Netflix, Follow @youth_in_brant space for youth became the town etc., as well as turf time from 4 pm Instagram for updates
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BRANT YOUTH CENTRE – EVERY TUESDAY At the Syl Apps Community Centre - 51 William Street in Paris from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm – all youth are welcome to check it out.
