WESTBURY Youth Club celebrated its first successful year since re-opening, with a group trip to Funways in Warminster.
Last June, Westbury Youth Club was forced to close due to a volunteer shortage. The club embarked on a recruitment drive to find new volunteers through White Horse News which saved the club, and it reopened last September .
Beth Mullins-Watts, leader of Westbury Youth Club said, “We have had a very successful first year. We didn’t know what to expect with the relaunch, so we went back to basics. The amount of hours that the volunteers put in before the re-launch played a huge part in getting the club back up and running. I didn’t know Westbury had a youth club until I saw the advert in the White Horse News.
“After being involved with the club for 15 months and being the leader for the last two months, I have seen first-hand the benefits that the youth club brings to Westbury’s young people.
“We have 42 registered members who all attend sessions regularly. We carried out our first survey this year of the members and 86% of them said they would not change anything about the youth club.
“The youth club doesn’t only offer a safe place for 12-19 year olds, we offer activities each week such as baking and cooking, arts and crafts, sports games and singing and dancing.
“Over the last year we have seen the success of the club grow; we have held three parties, a barbecue, three trips to Funways in Warminster, a trip to Brokerswood and an inflatable swim party at Frome Leisure Centre.
“These trips and all the activities we run are at a subsidised cost. This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the sponsors, the donations by the people of Westbury, the council grants and the volunteers. On behalf of the club we would like to thank everyone who has made the last year a success and for all the support that we have received, as without this support and funding, we would not have a club.
“A special thank you goes to all the companies locally and further afield that donated to our fundraising night back in April.
“The biggest thank you of all has to go to my team of volunteers, past and present, who give up their time for free and work tirelessly being the scenes and on a Wednesday night. Without them, none of this would have been possible and we wouldn’t have a youth club.
“We can’t forget to mention the members who come who make it safe, rewarding and worthwhile for us all and are the reason why we give our time to such a good cause.
“With a high number of members, we are looking for new volunteers to come and join us on a Wednesday evening 5.30-8.30 at Leigh Park Community Centre term-time only. No experience is needed as we will provide training. We will need a valid DBS check which we can arrange and an online safeguarding course will need to be completed.
“If anyone is interested in joining our team please email me at westburyyouthclub@gmail.com or pop in to the community centre and see us on a Wednesday evening.
“We currently have space for new members aged 12-19. If you would like to come, the entrance fee is £2.”
