Rise:61 celebrate with an early Easter party on Bemerton Heath

Salisbury’s local youth charity, Rise:61, celebrated Easter early this year with a party in Bemerton Heath on Saturday 26th March 2022.

Over 100 people attended the free celebrations which included a BBQ, refreshments, multiple Easter egg hunts, and face painting.

Local child entertainer Jonathan The Jester offered the services of his Circus Wessex group who performed a live show and helped attendees to practice their circus skills on their new 5m rig, as well as providing various things to juggle and some unusual bikes.

The party was well received by the local community after news of a tragic suicide had shaken and saddened the Bemerton Heath community earlier in the week.

“It was great to see the community come together, get stuck into the various activities and just generally enjoy the spring sunshine in the communal areas on Gainsborough Close,” said a spokesperson for the charity.

Becks Crouch, Rise:61’s Creative Hub Manager added, “Bemerton Heath is a special place and these events always have such a great atmosphere.

“The last few years have been difficult not only with the pandemic restrictions but also with the fallout and grief from local people, both young and old, choosing to take their own lives.

“We wanted to gather people together to celebrate the message of Easter which is all about the hope of life conquering death, having hope and giving your life to building a better world for all. We at Rise:61 are determined to bring more hope to this estate and were pleased to be able to host this event from our community garden, which we see as a living representation of this story.”

Rise:61 would like to thank all those who contributed to the party and all those that came to enjoy the celebrations.

Rise:61 is a youth charity that works alongside young people on the estate of Bemerton Heath, Salisbury. The charity provides positive opportunities so young people can tell a different story with their lives. Through our detached work, mentoring, after school clubs, trips and residentials the charity empowers young people to redirect their futures.

To find out more about Rise:61 and how you can get involved click here.