Anne Mackin, and her two daughters, oversee the fort that is Giant’s Foot Youth Club every Monday, Wednesday and Friday where the doors are open to all children from the local estate.

Originally Anne’s daughter Suzanne set up a tuck shop just to attract the young people off the street and provide them with a place to ‘hang out’. This proved to be more successful than anticipated and grew into a social youth club which now caters for over 40 plus children aged between 6 and 18. Anne explains: “Kids cause trouble when they’re bored and have nothing to do. That’s when they disrupt neighbourhoods – there’s nothing on offer!”

Anne continues: “We didn’t think it would work as well as it did – we thought that because they were all different ages they’d clash but it has been exactly the opposite. They all now know everyone off the estate and look out for each other. Two lads who regularly attend used to get bullied but some of the activities that we carry out involve teamwork and by the end of their first away day they were ‘one of the crowd’!”

As the members increased the need for more facilities increased and funding has enabled the group to buy table tennis tables, a Nintendo Wii, DVD’s and even drama lessons. Anne states: “These kids come here to socialise and to learn. I’ve had parents telling me that their children have learnt a lot since coming here – such as basic hygiene and cooking skills. We find that they learn more when they’re having fun!”

Naomi is nine years old and comes to the club with her sister, she says: “It’s been better since I’ve come here. I love playing games and doing the crafts – it’s nice that my sister and her friends are here too!”