Lancaster charity steps up to coronavirus challenge

Maintaining good physical and mental fitness is a principal aim of Lancashire Youth Challenge’s work with young people and it’s not letting Covid-19 get in its way.

To replace LYC’s usual gym and outdoor activities, they’ve given their members a new challenge – to climb the equivalent height of the National Three Peaks on their staircases at home.

The National Three Peaks are the UK’s three tallest mountains – Scafell Pike, Snowden and Ben Nevis – with a combined height of approximately 11,180 feet.

“In most of our homes we have small mountains we climb every day - stairs,” said LYC chief executive, Guy Christiansen.

“We are going to use these stairs to cover the height of each mountain, gauging each stair as a foot we have climbed. It will be difficult and probably take a few weeks to complete.”

The young people taking part will be asked to monitor themselves on the Staircase Challenge by asking someone to witness their ‘climb’ and also take photographs or film along the way.

All those who complete the challenge will receive a certificate of achievement.

Guy will take on the challenge too along with LYC youth support worker, Sam Duckles who appears in a film about it on LYC’s website hereLYC supports young people to build confidence and resilience by taking part in physical, creative and cultural activities and outdoor expeditions.

“This coronavirus lockdown is going to be a real challenge for many of the young people at LYC, especially those whose parents and guardians might face economic difficulties during this pandemic,” said Guy.

In an effort to continue supporting the young people currently participating in LYC’s programme, the charity has filmed some meditation sessions which will be posted on their website and has commissioned three artists to post tutorials on song writing, spoken word and beatboxing as part of their Our Place in the World Arts Award Challenge programme, which encourages young people to produce their own creative work reflecting their lived experience of the lockdown.

Sam is also continuing one to one personal development sessions with the young people by video chat and posting daily activities, workshops and learning resources on their social media platforms.