New youth club to start in 2016

A new youth club will open in Westbury in the new year, and will offer activities for local young people aged from 11 to 16.

It will replace the town’s former youth club, ‘The Youthie’, which was closed in August 2014

The new club is looking for volunteers to help run a  weekly club at Leigh Park Community Centre, which will be split into separate sessions for those in school years seven to eight, and those in years nine to 11.

Westbury’s community youth worker Phoebe Brazier said, “Young people told us they would like a club where they can take part in planned activities such as cooking, art, music and also be allowed to just chill out with their friends.

“We are looking to recruit volunteers who would like to support a new youth club in Westbury on a regular basis. We will be offering training and support to all volunteers.”

After ‘The Youthie’ was closed in August 2014, young people were consulted earlier this year on what services they’d like to see made available in Westbury, and a youth club came top of the list. Youth workers have since been trying to secure a venue for a regular club.

It is hoped that there will be enough volunteers to run the club every week and offer games, workshops and day trips, as well as a safe place for young people to spend time together.

In the run-up to Christmas, the local youth network will be holding two free events for young people:

• A Christmas Pool Party will be held at Westbury Swimming Pool from 6pm to 8pm on Friday 11th December. Pre book spaces at Westbury Pool on 01373 822891.

• A ‘Superfunk Roller Disco’ at Leighton Recreation Centre on Sunday 20th December. The disco will be split into age groups, with a 12.30pm-2pm session for ages 11-13, and 2.30pm to 4pm for ages 14-16.

For more information about the new club, upcoming events, or volunteering with the youth club, contact Phoebe Brazier on phoebe.brazier@wiltshire.gov.uk or 07747 460372.