WheelWorks were delighted to work on our first ChillCart collaboration project with Carrick Connect in partnership with PSNI Carrickfergus.

The ChillCart was used to support the vital work of Carrick Connect who were out on the ground working with young people to make positive choices in their life. Carrick Connect utilised the social space of the ChillCart as a base for engaging with young people out on the streets.

The ChillCart provided a focal point for young people to gather and Carrick Connect’s team of volunteers were on hand to offer a warm or cold drink, a chat or activities. The atmosphere was relaxed and focused on offering the young people an alternative to antisocial behaviour.

Tracey McNickle, Carrick Connect Project Co-ordinator, said: “We have initiated the project with WheelWorks to use their ChillCart with the aim of reducing anti-social behaviour in our town and it has been a great success since we launched in June. The number of young people engaging are averaging over 75 per evening with lots of other passers-by stopping to inquire about the services.”

The pilot project took place over 12 weeks with WheelWorks ChillCart being situated at Marine Gardens from 5-9pm on Saturday evenings. Carrick Connect staff and volunteers were there to make sure all young people and community feel welcome. They had refreshments of hot and cold drinks free of charge with outdoor sports and activities going on in the big green.

Carrickfergus PSNI were keen for the activity to continue and to see more people use the social space. In a recent social media post, the PSNI stated: “The WheelWorks’ ChillCart was back in Carrick tonight in collaboration with Carrick Connect. I want to say thank you to them for their help in trying to entertain our young people and in helping to deter our young people from getting involved in anti-social behaviour (ASB)… Remember, the ChillCart will be in Carrick every Saturday night over the summer, there are always alternatives to ASB, Make the right choice! Carrick Connect is using a combination of services as WheelWorks offers two vehicles to support outreach work. The ChillCart offers a social space for organisations to get out to where the young people are, and the ArtCart offers digital and traditional art activity.”