BBC Children in Need: Homework club is a ‘safe space’ for children
In a community hall in east Belfast, chatter and laughter fills the air as children play pool, draw cartoons and finish schoolwork with friends.
This is Ledley Hall Boys and Girls Club, which runs an after-school homework group with the help of BBC Children in Need.
“It’s a safe space for them,” says Caitlin McAlinden.
She is a special needs teacher but also gives each afternoon from Monday to Thursday to working as a part-time teacher at the homework club – and says it is of big benefit to the area.
The centre has running since 1942, providing services and activities for the local community.
For the past three years, with funding from BBC Children in Need, external, the centre has been able to help children up to the age of 15 with their homework, four days a week.
About 45 children are registered, with between 10 and 30 attending each day.
Children go to the club for a variety of reasons: their parents are still in work; they come for support with their homework; or just to spend time with their friends.
