By Isle of Wight Observer
South Wight Area Youth (SWAY) has welcomed new youth worker, Jack Norridge, who joined the team in May.
Jack is working part-time to help deliver the River Project, as well as the teen drop-in and youth group at the hub in Chale.
He is no stranger to Chale or some of the young people involved with SWAY, having previously worked with the organisation during Covid.
Since then, Jack has spent two years working at a school and charity in Egypt, before returning home to further develop his skills.
Now back on the Island, he has reconnected with young people who remember him, while meeting those who have joined SWAY more recently.
Jack is supporting Year 6 pupils at St Francis through the River Project, which aims to build confidence as they prepare to move to high school and provides a peer group outside school through weekly youth sessions.
Peter Johnson, chairman of SWAY, said: “It’s great to welcome back someone with just the experience we need, especially someone we know and who can relate to the young people.”
Together with a volunteer, Jack has started a teen drop-in in Chale, offering games and activities.
He also leads the Chale youth group, attended by around 10 mostly primary school-age children each week, and helps with residential camps and the Niton youth groups.
