Junior Warden Scheme gets ‘thumbs up’ from young people
Winchester City Council’s Neighbourhood Wardens launched the Junior Wardens Scheme at Winnall Community Centre last month and, since then, children aged between 7 and 11 years of age have been taking part in a number of fun and educational sessions covering subjects such as recycling, environmental issues, personal safety, and learning about their local history.
The latest session saw the children pay a visit to Winchester Cathedral. Cheryl Bryan, the cathedral’s Director of Children’s Education, provided a fascinating tour of the crypts, during which, the children were able to ask questions and learn how the cathedral has played a central role in the development of the city.
The success of the Junior Wardens sessions, which are currently based in Winnall, has meant that the Neighbourhood Wardens are already considering plans to expand the scheme into other areas in the future.
Hannah Beech, one of the City Council's Neighbourhood Wardens, said: "It is important to engage with young people and teach them about important issues that can affect both them and the communities in which they live. From personal safety through to recycling and local history, these sessions help children to understand the world around them and gain valuable knowledge that will stay with them beyond childhood."
In addition to Winchester City Council, other partners who are supporting the project include A2 Dominion Housing, Winnall Primary School, Winnall Community Centre, Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Winchester Community Partnership.
Several local businesses have also offered their support towards the project, including Bendicks and Tesco.
If you would like to find out more, you can contact Neighbourhood Wardens,