On Wednesday 27th May, volunteers from Solent Youth Action went to London for a day organised by CRAE (Children's Rights Alliance for England).

The event was aimed at inspiring and educating young people on matters regarding children's rights and how to use the voice that young people are entitled to.

The day consisted of informing us on the rights that we have, showing us campaigns that are currently in place, as well as a "Dragons' Den" type panel judging campaigns that we made.

It was a really fun as well as an informative and educational day.

On Thursday 28th May, five volunteers from the Take Action Eastleigh project played host to a group of Young Carers from Eastleigh.

The social session was held at the new community centre called The Hilt in Chandler's Ford. In the coming month Solent Youth Action will be running Open Access Youth Clubs from here and two of their established clubs SLAMS and J's.

The volunteers set up "The Loft" for the young carers to make full use of. The pool table, the Wii and PCs were just a few of the activities on offer along with the Circus Skills equipment which had everyone practising their plate spinning on the grass outside the centre in the glorious sunshine.

The Take Action volunteers served lunch to the young carers and ended the session with glass painting where some wonderful pieces of work were created.

The event was enjoyed by all and was a great way to bring young people together from different backgrounds and give the young carers a break from their usual caring duties.

On 27th May 2009 Portsmouth and IOW Youth Action Teams reunited at Express FM to put together a radio show.

They were undecided whether or not to split into their two different groups and do a show each or whether to stay as one big group and put together a show together.

They were also unsure on the topic to talk about. Music, vinvolved, and SYA were amongst the possible topics of discussion.

Within the lunch break, three of the volunteers were given the opportunity to record some of their beatboxing. The whole group turned out in the studio to listen and it was from there we decided we had to stick as one big group and talk about how they got involved with volunteering.

Solent Youth Action vinvolved have established five youth action teams across, Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Isle of Wight.

Each team consists of a number of enthusiastic and creative young people who work towards improving and increasing young people's involvement in volunteering and community action.

SYA's vinvolved teams attended a residential weekend in May inviting all YAT participants to Fairthorne Manor for a fun-filled weekend.

The weekend consisted of outdoor activities such as kayaking and abseiling as well as participating in fun and interesting training workshops such as "How to Organise an Event" And "Self Esteem & Confidence Building".

Take Action volunteers have continued their hard work down the allotment this month.

The potatoes are growing well and the raised beds are nearly finished with some carrots and parsnips planted already.

They have taken advantage of the poly tunnel already with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and melons planted.

On Sunday 17th May, The Hilt community centre opened in Hilitngbury, Chandlers Ford.

The community centre was officially opened by the Mayor of Eastleigh on the day and a hundred and fifty local people turned out to celebrate this excellent community facility.

Solent Youth Action showed people round The Loft which will be the home for all their youth groups including SLAMS and J's as well as new groups to be set up for 11 – 19 year olds.

All the facilities in The Loft were available for people to play with including Table Tennis, Pool, Nintendo Wii, and computers.

On 7th May, Solent Youth Action trustee Helen Moreton and Volunteer Advisor Rosy Butler went to BBC Radio Solent to talk about the J's Film Premiere live on air.

We spoke to Charlie Crocker all about the hard work that volunteers do.

You can listen to the Charlie Crocker show at weekdays 1-4 pm, or online on the BBC iPlayer.

Ten Solent Youth Action volunteers from Vinvolved helped to run a free open access playscheme for children aged 5-16yrs in the Eastleigh area.

Buddies Coordinator Tara McFadyen and Youth Advisor Rosy Butler worked with Eastleigh Bourough Council, The Point, Eastleigh Youth Trust, Sports for Schools and the Pavilion on the Park to plan and deliver the playscheme.

It ran over four days of the holiday and was held at the Pavilion on the Park. It was a great success and in total 52 children attended the scheme. Feedback has been very positive and it is hoped that a similar scheme will run during the Summer holidays.