Since 2007, the Zero Project has been successfully running under 18’s nightclub events which give young people from school year 9 until the age of 17 the opportunity to socialise in a safe and supervised environment.
The project aims to reduce alcohol related anti-social behaviour, increase take-up of physical activity, reduce binge and underage drinking and misuse of drugs; and also provide specialist advice or guidance on issues affecting young people.
Zero Project events are attended by over 200 young people from across South Somerset and neighbouring counties. They take place 6 times a year during school holidays at Club Neo, Stars Lane, Yeovil from 7pm until 11pm and costs just £5.
A multi-agency partnership organises and manages the project which involves South Somerset District Council (SSDC), Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Somerset County Council, Inspired2Achieve, Yeovil Street Pastors and Club Neo.
The Project Group works closely with the young people, youth work professionals, schools and parents to deliver a programme of fun and safe events each year. Young people and the wider community benefit from these events as it addresses issues associated with alcohol and drug related anti-social behaviour, builds relationships between young people and the partner agencies and is a good stepping stone between adolescence and adulthood when the young people of today will be the adults out on the town tomorrow.
Assistant Zero Project Manager, Shirley Courage from South Somerset District Council said, “I am privileged to be part of the Zero Project, whose partners are all committed to ensuring that the young people of South Somerset and beyond have the unique opportunity of a nightclub experience that is not only safe and fun, but also addresses some of the issues facing young people and their communities today”.
The Zero Project recognises that parents may have concerns about allowing their child to attend an event at a nightclub. Members of the team are more than happy to take questions from parents who can email [email protected] or call 01935 462439. Further details about the Zero Project and its aims can be found on the Zero Project Facebook page www.facebook.com/zeroclubbers and SSDC websitewww.southsomerset.gov.uk/Zero.
Zero events planned for the remainder of 2015 include Wednesday 27 May, Wednesday 28 October and Monday 21 December.