Member Article

Housing Hartlepool help children to branch out

Housing Hartlepool and green fingered children from a local youth group have planted 100 trees as part of their campaign to help the environment.

Youngsters from Hartlepool Neighbourhoodies helped to dig, plant and water tree saplings provided free of charge by the Woodland Trust, at Romaine Park in Hartlepool.

They were joined on the day by Police Community Support Officers, Housing Hartlepool staff, Hartlepool Community Wardens and representatives from the Woodland Trust.

The initiative came about as part of a wider Housing Hartlepool campaign to inspire residents to ‘Love Where You Live’, which encourages people to make a positive difference to the neighbourhoods they live in.

Housing Hartlepool, which is a part of the Vela Group, is now looking to enhance the area even further, with plans to plant wild flower seeds as well as installing paths and seating.

The Neighbourhoodies, who are based at the Phoenix Centre in Hindpool Close, Hartlepool, are a group of children aged between 6 and 17. The group is jointly run by Housing Hartlepool and Cleveland Police and focuses on providing diversionary activities, including tackling anti-social behaviour through education and promoting a community spirit and pride in the area.

Helen Ivison, Housing Hartlepool Neighbourhood Manager said: “The trees will help enhance Romaine Park, encourage wildlife and have given the children an opportunity to learn more about the natural environment.

“As well as providing affordable homes across Hartlepool we are committed to improving our neighbourhoods and the surrounding environment to help create sustainable communities.”

Police Community Support Officer Christopher Corkin said: “This has been a worthwhile and educational project for the Neighbourhoodies to be involved in. Through neighbourhood policing we are committed to engaging with young people and supporting them to do good work in the local community.”

Since 2004, over 2 million children have helped the Woodland Trust plant more than 8 million trees across the UK.

Neighbourhoodies youth group is held on the second Wednesday of every month between 6.00-7:30pm. For further information on the group or to join, please contact Natalie I’Anson, Housing Hartlepool Tenancy Relations and Enforcement Team Support Officer on 01429 525269.

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