LATEST COVID-19 UPDATE
In March 2020 we had to close the doors to the project for the first time in its history. The building has remained closed since however we have still been working and supporting young people in Blyth. We have held Zoom calls daily and offered support virtually, we have been able to hold one to one socially distanced appointments in the building for Employability support and we have carried out detached work every evening out on the streets of Blyth 6 days a week since June 2020. As well as this we have handed out positivity packs, school equipment, sports equipment, Halloween treats, Christmas Gifts and Easter treats to all of our young people and our families to help them through these difficult times and as a an organisation we have given donations to Blyth Foodbank and Operation Elf to show our support to the wider community of Blyth.
It has been an incredibly tough time for all but we are pleased to say that we can finally see some light at the end of the tunnel as the country slowly lifts restrictions to allow us to get back to a new ‘normal.’ Following advice from the Government and the National Youth Agency we are pleased to announce that we will be re-opening our Teen Bar and Employability Sessions on Monday 17th May 2021.
What times will we be open?
We plan to initially open on Mondays and Wednesdays only for Teen Bar and Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the Employability Project. Teen Bar will be 5pm-8pm & Employability Project will be 12pm-3pm.
How many people can come in and can young people leave and come back?
We have made the decision to only allow 15 young people in the building at one time (8 for Employability). Unfortunately this does mean that if you leave the building you won’t be able to come back in for that particular session, we have made this decision to keep you and ourselves safe and also to allow others the chance to come in after you.
Is the Building COVID Safe?
Yes. Our staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the building is ready and COVID safe for our return. We have carried out risk assessments and put extra safety measures in place including hand sanitiser, a one way system including a separate entrance and exit, spaced out seating with covers and a protective bar screen. Pool Table and cues, Xbox controllers etc will be sanitised between games.
Do Face Coverings need to be worn?
Yes. Everyone that attends will need to wear a face covering in the building including staff unless exempt, you will need to prove that you are exempt. If you don’t have a face covering we can provide you with as disposable one.
Will Refreshments and Toilets be available?
Yes, you will be able to purchase cans of drink and sweets from our tuck shop, a protective screen has been installed on the bar and staff will be wearing disposable sterile gloves whilst handling these items and money. You can also still have free Tea and Coffee but these will be in a disposable cup. Toilets are in use with only one person allowed in at one time and there will be sanitising wipes for you to use after your visit to wipe door handles, taps, flusher etc.
Can you Still Contact Staff Outside of the Session times?
Yes of course, our staff are still working from Silx outside of session times and are available 7 days a week. The staff are available to young people via phone call, text, email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Contact numbers:01670 351356, 07487535980 or 07950502919
Email: silxteen@aol.com
Will Detached Work Continue?
Yes. We will still have teams of detached workers out in various locations around Blyth on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings between 6pm & 8pm.