Chadderton community have come together to ensure a former youth centre enjoys new lease of life.
Ownership of the South Chadderton Youth Centre was transferred to Yew Tree Community School during the summer and the school have worked with community-interest company Fullcircle NW – with the support of Oldham Council – to ensure this vital asset remains available for local young people and residents.
The council needs to make £600,000 in savings for the 2015/16 financial year within the borough’s wider youth and sports offer – and it has been working with partners to ensure youth provision is available in all the borough’s districts.
Both Yew Tree and Fullcircle now manage the day-to-day activities within the Alcester Street-based centre, with the school running pre and after-school clubs and Fullcircle carrying out a junior youth club every Thursday and Friday evenings.
Community organisations and groups have also expressed an interest in hosting events at the building.
Chadderton District Executive has asked Fullcircle to provide services for young people and the district executive will provide funding to support this.
Councillor Graham Shuttleworth, Chadderton District Executive Chair, said: “The youth centre has been operating as a facility for young people for many years and has an excellent track record in providing a much-needed service for the community as a whole.
“The council is working co-operatively with Yew Tree Community School and Fullcircle to make sure the building continues to be a well-used asset as changes are made to our youth provision.
“Both organisations have been incredibly productive and I’m delighted that an agreement has been reached for the building to carry on being a resource for children, young people and the community.”
Rais Bhatti, Head of Yew Tree Community School, said: “We felt we needed to grasp the opportunity of taking on the youth centre and make it into a valuable asset, not just for the school, but the whole community.
“Ever since the school year began the pre and after school clubs have been a great success with pupils and parents. It gives us a more spacious environment for our young people to learn and have fun in.”
Becci West, Director of Fullcircle, added: “As a community interest company all our work has social purpose which benefits our wider community.
“The youth centre has been a well-used resource for a long time – and we’ve worked within Chadderton and surrounding areas for several years – so we wanted to get involved and continue providing that fun environment for young people where they can reach their full potential.
“Any profits that we make will be invested straight back into the community.”
The Junior Youth Club, aimed at those aged eight to 13, takes place every Thursday and Friday from 6pm until 7.30pm. Entry is free. Children under eight are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
The venue is also available to hire, outside of the regular Fullcircle and Yew Tree School sessions. You can make enquiries online at www.fullcirclenwcic.co.uk
