Funding approved for two new youth hubs in Midsomer Norton
Midsomer Norton’s Community Trust has secured funding from Bath & North East Somerset Council to provide two new youth hubs in the town.
The aim is provide outreach centres for young people, outside the town centre, which they can regard as their own and where they can ‘hang out’.
The £21,000 grant from Bath & North East Somerset Council has been funded by developer contributions to the local community.
The money will be used to purchase two sea containers which, subject to planning permission, will be located in the Skate Park area at Gullock Tyning and at Orchard Vale near the Orchard Hall. Each container will be fitted out with furniture, lighting, and games equipment. Youth Outreach Workers will open them at specified times to provide activities and educational and support programmes, with supervised usage at other times.
Cllr Paul Myers (Conservative, Midsomer Norton Redfield) Cabinet Member for Policy, Localism & Partnerships, said: “It’s important young people feel part of the community in Midsomer Norton and have a stake in the town. Providing youth hubs will help to us reach and engage with more young people. We’ll be able to talk through issues regarding anti-social behaviour in the town and provide support and education services such as for drug, alcohol and sexual health in an environment in which young people feel comfortable. While Norton Youth Club already has an impressive record of offering personal development and life skills, the hubs will ensure these development opportunities are taken directly to young people.”
The new hubs will be operated and managed by a partnership of Midsomer Norton’s Community Trust and the Wansdyke Play Association. However, the Trust is also looking to work with other partners and community groups.
Cllr Michael Evans (Conservative, Midsomer Norton North) Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “Young people were recently asked their views on the community services available to them. While membership groups and the Norton Youth Club, which operates in the Town Hall every Thursday evening, are very popular, feedback from the consultation clearly showed a need for outreach activity and a safe place for young people to socialise particularly when it is cold, dark or wet. The youth hubs will provide an opportunity to engage with young people as well as providing the space they are asking for.”
With funding now in place the planning process can now commence with the aim of the hubs being in place later this year.
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