Young people on the European Social Fund Convergence-supported Freestyle programme have been involved with the Christmas Art Scheme for Redruth town. The four young people designed and made their own traditional Philippine parol lanterns at The Elms, the Redruth headquarters of CN4C (Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change).

In November, local artist Kate Beesley visited The Elms to deliver a lantern making workshop and the results are now in the window of Kabuki Hair and Beauty.

CN4C runs the Freestyle programme for young people aged 14 to 19 years old and not in school, college or work. The structured days allow CN4C to work closely with the young people on skills including job preparation, living independently, training and personal skills.

Tasha Mitchell, CN4C project youth worker, said: “The art workshops were a huge success with Kate coming in and encouraging the young people to get involved. Parol lanterns were chosen as the theme by the organisers. The young people loved making them and learnt a new side of art through being constructive with the bamboo shoots creating lanterns in the shapes of stars. The young people were part of the scheme last year and we’re happy to be asked again this year.”

Mark Yeoman, head of ESF Convergence communication, said: “Congratulations to all the young people that have been involved in this innovative art project in Redruth. The ESF Convergence investment in Freestyle works with and complements mainstream provision in boosting the skills and self confidence of young people to support them stay in education or progress into training and work."

In the Philippines a Christmas lantern is called a parol and it is their main symbol of the festive period. All through the Christmas season, star-shaped lanterns can be found hanging outside homes and along the streets of cities and small provincial towns, farms and fishing villages.

Other CN4C recent Freestyle community events have included a football tournament and a music workshop where instruments were made from scrap.