And Woodcraft Is on the Lookout for Children and Volunteers to Get Involved in These New

Charity secures funding from Government to help get more children involved in Social Action in Merseyside

Woodcraft Folk, the co-operative children’s charity run by volunteers and designed to help develop young people’s self-confidence and awareness of the world has secured funding from Government to help create more opportunities for young people in Merseyside.

The organisation has received funding from Youth United Foundation to help them deliver their New Groups Project throughout Merseyside providing life-changing opportunities to young people from all communities and walks of life.

And Woodcraft is on the lookout for children AND volunteers to get involved in these new groups.

The organisation, which was founded in 1925 with equality, co-operation and friendship at its core and whose motto is “span the world with friendship” is structured in a similar way to more traditional uniformed groups such as Scouts and Guides with groups available for children under 6 (Woodchips), 6-9 (Elfins) right up to 16-20 (DFs) and focusing activities on promoting sustainability and democracy.

However, Woodcraft Folk is much more than a children’s play group. Yes, there are games, arts and crafts, night walks and campfire songs but were Woodcraft differs is that it also teaches children about democracy, sharing and working together on social action projects, community events and campaigning to make a difference.

Woodcraft Folk groups currently take place on a Thursday night at Christ Church in Oxton and are set to begin at Livingstone Street Play and Community Centre, Birkenhead and in other areas in Wirral including Moreton, Leasowe and Tranmere. It is hoped that the success of these New Groups will lead to other areas, including Liverpool developing their own Woodcraft Folk groups.

Bidston & St JamesCouncillor Brian Kenny commented: “The work that Woodcraft Folk do in the community and the values and skills they encourage and promote are to be applauded and I am keen for as many people in Birkenhead, Bidston and Leasowe as well as other parts of Wirral and Merseyside to get involved.”

Indeed, this year will see more ‘Play Out’ sessions than ever taking place throughout August, funded by the Youth United Foundation, North Birkenhead Development Trust and donations from the Oxton Society via the Secret Gardens project. With free sessions open to all ages, where children can try new games and activities between 12 and 4pm in Ilchester Park, Mersey Park and The Arno. Activities will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the three parks throughout August.

Cllr Brian Kenny added:”The summer holidays are the perfect time to get involved in Woodcraft Folk activities. The groups are really good fun and many of the volunteers I’ve spoken to have grown up in the Woodcraft movement and want to give something back to the next generation. They are passionate about helping young people develop a social conscience and a sense of responsibility for the planet and each other and that can only be a good thing for our communities in Wirral.”

Louise Harland Davies, Woodcraft Folk’s Project Officer for Merseyside added: “Our New Groups Project is designed to engage with as many children from different backgrounds and walks of life as possible so that they may benefit from the opportunities available for our Woodcraft kids. One of our teenage groups is going camping in Italy this summer. The opportunity to travel abroad, learn new skills and meet new people can have a massive positive impact on these young people especially when Woodcraft do all we can to make it affordable for all.

“We are in the process of setting up more groups and activities such as summer camps and weekend trips but we also need more volunteers to help create a fun and safe environment for children to play and learn new skills. It is a hugely enriching organisation to be involved with and we welcome new volunteers with open arms.”

If you would like to know more about Woodcraft Folk including dates and times of our summer Play Out groups and how you can get involved in volunteering or setting up a new group in your area visit If you are interested in setting up a new group you will be guided every step of the way by our dedicated team in Merseyside.

or 07421 745342

or 07421 745339

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