The new sessions, delivered by Wolves Foundation in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council, will take place every Thursday evening at Tennyson Road, offering young people and families access to a wide range of free sport, physical activity and creative opportunities.
The expansion follows a strong start for the Your Spaces programme, which launched earlier this year at Peace Park in Whitmore Reans and Long Ley Sports Ground in Heath Town.
Funded by the council and the Premier League Foundation, Your Spaces is designed to encourage positive use of parks and open spaces, reduce anti-social behaviour and help communities feel safer and more connected.
The programme has already had a positive impact, with hundreds of participants enjoying activities ranging from football, basketball, archery and outdoor gym sessions, to arts and crafts, and graffiti workshops delivered by Wolves Foundation staff alongside local organisations including Hope Community Project, Wolverhampton SLAM Basketball, Kixx, Community First, Mandem Meet-Up, Beatsabar and TLC College.
Further expansion is also planned, with sessions due to start at Weddell Wynd in Bilston in the coming weeks.
Tom Warren, General Manager at Wolves Foundation, said: “We have been really encouraged by the response to Your Spaces since the programme launched, with large numbers of young people and families taking part and making the most of the activities on offer.
“Adding a new location in Bushbury and Low Hill is an exciting next step. By working closely with the council and a range of community organisations, we can make use of local spaces and create more opportunities for young people to be active, build confidence and spend time together in a positive environment.
“The partnership aspect of the programme has been a real strength. Wolverhampton has some fantastic community organisations already delivering great work across the city, and Your Spaces gives us an opportunity to bring that expertise together to benefit even more residents.
“We look forward to building on the success so far and continuing to expand the programme into other communities.”
The programme was developed using local data to target areas where increased activity and visibility could have the greatest impact on tackling anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Your Spaces is helping to turn local green spaces into vibrant community hubs where people can come together, be active and feel connected to their neighbourhood.
“The feedback from local residents, partners and participants has been extremely positive and shows the value of bringing free, accessible activities directly into communities.
“We are delighted to see the initiative expanding into Bushbury and Low Hill, and I would encourage people to come along and take advantage of the free activities available.”
Your Spaces sessions take place every Wednesday and Friday at Long Ley Sports Ground, Heath Town, from 6pm to 8pm, including multi sports, basketball and football, and every Thursday and Saturday at Peace Park, Whitmore Reans, also from 6pm to 8pm, where activities include multi sports, cricket, football, art in the park, an outdoor gym and graffiti workshops. The new Bushbury and Low Hill sessions will take place every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm at Tennyson Road, starting tomorrow.
Community organisations continue to play a central role in shaping and delivering the programme, and Wolves Foundation is inviting further expressions of interest from groups interested in delivering activities. For more information or to register interest, visit Youth Engagement.
