YOUNG people in Ringwood have been helped to develop their skills with two activity clubs.

Ringwood Town Council ran a ‘Skate Jam’ and partnered with Ethical Activities Community Interest Company (CIC) to offer a ‘Carvers Kayak Club’ over the summer.

These programs provided safe, educational, and enjoyable opportunities for youth aged 9 to 15, encouraging skill development and community engagement.

For two hours each week during the summer holidays, participants in the Carvers Kayak Club took to the water to build confidence, learn paddling techniques, and develop an appreciation for nature.

This is the third consecutive year that Ringwood Town Council has funded the initiative.

Tom Foster, director of Ethical Activities CIC, said: "Everyone deserves access to the outdoors. We are thrilled that for the past three summers, we’ve been able to offer opportunities for local young people to grow their confidence, learn essential life skills, and enjoy the beautiful natural spaces in Ringwood."

In addition to the kayaking sessions, this summer also featured a highly successful Skate Jam, organised by Team Rubicon.

The event saw the highest number of entrants yet, with participants displaying an outstanding level of skill.

Ringwood Riders, who regularly use the local skate park, contributed to the event's success by riding as a team and supporting each other, which elevated the level of competition and inspired all entrants to perform at their best.

Charmaine Bennett, manager of Carvers Clubhouse and events manager, said: "We’ve seen tremendous success with both the Carvers Kayak Club and the Skate Jam. These experiences have provided immeasurable value to the young people involved, giving them positive memories and opportunities to learn in a safe, engaging environment."