Community worker to talk on the importance of youth work

SHINING a spotlight on our rich and proud heritage, as well as the importane of youth work, are the themes of an upcoming talk taking place next week.

Organised by the Sion Mills Building Preservation Trust, the ‘Youth, Our Future’ talk is part of the ‘Celebrating Our Heritage’ series, and it will be delivered by Andy Patton, chair of Sion Mills Community Forum and a popular community worker.

A vital aspect of Andy’s involvement in youth work is his interest in promoting cross-community projects, especially during some of the worst years of the Troubles in the mid-1980s.

He played a vital part in setting up the Youth Wing at Sion Mills School, and also helped to establish the CBSI Scouts in the village. He was further involved in the Ulster Project in mid 1990s.

Mr Patton is a lifelong resident of Sion Mills, and during the past 17 years, he has been actively involved with Sion Mills Community Forum, which has made a huge contribution to the community by developing projects to benefit people of all ages.

The talk will feature on Andy’s perspective on the vital role of youth work, with a focus on his vast experience and outstanding record as a mentor and motivator of others involved in the sector.

The special event will take place at the Heritage Education Centre at the Stables, Sion Mills on Wednesday, February 21 at 1.30pm.