Pre School
Ad Astra run 2 pre school sessions per week. Tinky Tot Play and Tinky Tot Dance, both of these session are designed to encourage children to engage and become more social with others. The play session includes free play, role play, crafts and singing.The dance and movement session encourages children to become more active through music and movement. Parents and carers also get the opportunity to talk and support each other throughout the session.
Children & Young people
Ad Astra offer regular sessions throughout the week. After school clubs, a junior youth club/senior youth club and a teenage dance group. We deliver school holiday activities 10 weeks per year. Look out for our holiday programme advertised on social media.
The MAD Project (Mind & Dance)
This project runs 2 session each week. One based in Barnsley town centre and the other in the North area of Barnsley. The project is aimed at bringing young people together through dance and music. The sessions are staffed with mental health first aiders and a dance instructor who are on hand to support the young people.
Schools Work
Schools work is a big part of our programme. Each week we deliver our listening support programme in 3 of Barnsley’s Academy’s, along with the Lunchtime Period project. All of our staff are trained in mental health first aid that gives them a deep understanding of issues that impact young peoples mental health. The school sessions are put in place to provide support and guidance to any young people within school. We support the schools in National children’s mental health week and safeguarding week, raising awareness and giving support. This work is funded by North East and Penistone area council.
In primary schools we deliver peer support and buddy training to year 5’s and school transition workshops for year 6’s who. We currently deliver these sessions in 3 primary schools funded by the North Area Council.
Community
Ad Astra manages the New Lodge Community Centre in the north of Barnsley.Our community programme consists of pre school activities, women’s/men’s support groups, community support cafes, holiday activities ,food and hygiene parcel distribution and community bingo events.
We have an open door policy and encourage the community to use the centre for whatever their needs are. We are a safe space if anyone needs to talk or need support.
We love to hear from the community as to what sessions they would to see at the centre. We are also keen to hear from anyone that wants to become a volunteer. Full training will be given.