Started in the summer of 2007, the upod bus project has been popular with local youngsters from abbots, Bedmond and Leavesden. The upod bus team of volunteers has been out every week in all weather and the ‘bus’
has provided a safe place for them to meet, drink hot chocolate, hang out, talk, share issues and feel accepted.
Having run Junior school age children’s work for a number of years at Hillside Hall, it became very clear that there was little for local youngsters of secondary school age to do in and around Bedmond and Abbots Langley as a follow on. We needed something that was relevant to teenagers and broke the conventional model of ‘youth club’ that had seen limited success in the locality. The youngsters themselves were bored and disengaged and it was clear that we had to go where they met, and provide a simple place for them to talk, make friends, be listened to and not be buried in rules.
Our youth development worker, Mary, was keen to do something different and out of our many discussions the UPOD bus project evolved. The ‘Upod’ or ‘Bus’ as it is known, is a former Renault Master ambulance that has been converted into a mobile youth hang out area fitted with seating, an X-box and hot and cold drinks dispensers.
It goes out twice a week and sits by the skate park in Manor Park, Abbots Langley on Monday and Wednesday evenings for a couple of hours, irrespective of the weather!
There is no structured programme but most weeks the boys play 5 a side football or one on one basketball on the floodlit court next to the bus. The floodlighting is also sponsored as part of the project by supporters.
There are very limited rules but strong language, alcohol, drugs and smoking are not permitted in and around the bus. We have good local support from our PCSOs who drop in from time to time.
One of our goals at Upod is to make the youngsters feel valued and loved. In a relaxed and caring environment, many talk about home life, school, their likes and dislikes. I recently asked Mary what the common topics of discussion were in the bus. She didn’t hesitate and answered ‘Boy / girl relationships and school’. Then she added, “problems with anger and fighting for some, and relationships with each other and in the family.’
The activities that we run give opportunity for all to participate and the graffiti workshops and go-karting have been very popular. Together with the weekly football, these activities help build teamwork and respect for one another and for those who organise the events.
About 40-50 kids come through Upod in a month, with a regular 10-15 each week dropping by. Some spend an evening with us, others come and go all evening! Free hot chocolate during the winter months and cold drinks in the Summer mean that we are a regular drooping off point for the boys in between skateboarding, trick cycling and football. The girls are happy to come and chat, and it is during these times that we talk about what is happening in their lives.
Our volunteers are there to listen, chat and encourage. We may be one of the few places where the youngsters can talk freely and they value our genuine interest and care. The fact that we have been around weekly for nearly three years has to say some thing about our committment.
Which brings me to the last and probably most important issue at the moment. We do have a roadworthy vehicle with a current MOT but our Upod will not last forever and this year it must be replaced. We are aiming for a larger but manageable bus that will enhance our activiities and give us more space inside. This means an outlay of about £3000 which includes the purchase and refit which ideally we would like to do in Summer months. If you can help us or know of a charitable trust or funding that would support this kind of youthwork please would you call me or drop in to see Mary at the bus on a Monday or Wednesday evening.
Three Rivers Council have been hugely supportive and have already made donations in 2010 financial year towards the project. |
