Local children from Arbourthorne have “bingo’in” mad for bingo at a youth group launched last year by Sheffield Homes and Arbourthorne Tenants and Residents Association (TARA).
The youth evening named ”Console Kidz” by the local kids that attend the group, has now grown to over 50 members aged 4 -13 years old.
Bingo sessions were recently introduced after some of the youngsters saw that the adults had their own bingo club and wanted to have a go for themselves.
Winnie Smith, Secretary of Arbourthorne TARA, said, “Introducing bingo has been a huge success. The younger kids love it and we have seen big results with their numeracy skills which have improved dramatically. We now have 4 and 5 year olds that could only count to 10 now learning to recognise high numbers and count to 100.
“For a full line they receive a 50p mix up and for a full house they get a small toy like a yoyo or a bouncy ball.”
Console Kidz youth group also includes X-Box 360 and Nintendo Wii games and provides a safe place and fun activities for young people in the area. Sheffield Homes wardens and Police Community Support Officers also attend to talk about their role in the community and how they can help young people in the area.
Alison Bodill, Sheffield Homes Community Engagement Officer, added, ”The youth group is a subtle way of engaging with our citizens of the future. It aims to reduce anti-social behaviour while providing a realistic alternative for young people in the area that is safe, fun and educational.
For more information about Sheffield Homes and how to get involved please call 0114 293 000 for the North Call Centre or 0114 205 3333 for the South Call Centre or visit www.sheffieldhomes.org.uk.
IT'S HAPPENING IN HEELEY! 
Posted on August 20, 2010 by heeleyonline
0