CharltonsPopUp.co.uk
This vibrant organisation caters for up to 20 young people every week but relies entirely on fundraising, donations and one-off grants since all county council funding was withdrawn seven years ago.
A 2023 survey of members showed just how important it is in a village where the top three issues were boredom, having nothing to do and a lack of youth facilities. The club plays an important role in helping young people feel connected to each other and their community as well as providing valuable opportunities for self-development and insight, plus entertainment outside of the school and home setting.
The survey revealed the top three benefits of the Youth Club were the friendliness of youth workers (100%), the chance to hang out with friends (79%) and having youth workers who understand the needs to young people (71%). And everyone surveyed rated the club ‘excellent’, ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
The club employ two youth workers from the Community Youth Project to run the weekly sessions, supported by a small group of volunteers. This is especially critical when youth services remain chronically underfunded at a time when the mental health and wellbeing of young people is at lowest.
The Youth Club is supported by the community centre, which provides the facilities free of charge and an annual Parish Council grant, but fundraising is the only way to cover its costs and continue to support our young people.