We met Sebastian Wilkinson, 14, at Inspire Youth in Knaresborough, where he comes during the school holidays, along with his older sister Maria. Sebastian and Maria are autistic, and FEAST activities like those offered by Inspire Youth give them not only something new to try in a safe and welcoming space, but key skills for life.
Sebastian, left, plays table tennis with Inspire Youth CEO and Founder Jess Ward
Sebastian, who attends Mowbray School in Bedale, shares: “It’s really fun, I get to play, make new friends and do something which I actually find interesting.”
Through his time with Inspire Youth, Sebastian has developed a keen interest in protecting the environment and enjoys the chance to take walks around the area with the group, litter picking and exploring nature. Inspire Youth also offer children and young people attending FEAST activities the opportunity to prepare their own food, which Sebastian enjoys.
He explains: “I like cooking. When I’m at home I’ll try to make myself something when I’m hungry.”
Sebastian prepares healthy snacks for the group at Inspire Youth
For Inspire Youth founder and CEO Jess Ward, the kitchen is a key part of their offering:
“The cooking gives them life skills, but it’s also another space that they can share.”
She adds:
“If it wasn’t for FEAST, we wouldn’t see these young people who’ve come here today, like Sebastian. The funding has enabled us to offer this additional session on top of our usual open drop-ins, and it’s lovely a safe space, especially for neurodivergent young people like Sebastian and Maria. It’s an opportunity for them to freely move around, socialise and just be. It means we can offer something for everyone.”
Maria enjoys drawing with her friends at Inspire Youth
“Some of the young people here don’t get a chance to do much beyond staying with relatives over the holidays. On the first day we opened, one of the young people was here as we opened the door, excited to see what we had to offer.”
Inspire Youth is one of over 50 providers across North Yorkshire offering activities during the school holidays through FEAST. For more information about our upcoming programme, visit: https://northyorkshiretogether.co.uk/feast-activities/