THE relaunch of Westbury Youth Club in new premises has been warmly welcomed as the club returns to the town.
Following the closure of the group’s former home, Leigh Park Community Centre, in 2018, it combined with Warminster Youth Club where it ran for six months before stopping due to Covid19.
However, after talks with Westbury Community Project Trust which has transformed the former youth centre building on Eden Vale Road, the club for 11 to 19-year-olds has restarted. The opening on Wednesday 3rd September was promoted on Facebook.
”We gained a very positive response,” said club leader Beth Mullins.
“We had 12 members attend last night. The feedback we have received is that it’s the first week back at school, young people are settling back in to school and will come along next week. With this in mind we are expecting to see an increase in numbers.”
It was the first time the volunteers have run under the new Covid19 guidelines, Beth said, “All members and staff wore face masks unless exempt. Everyone including staff had their temperature checked on entry. We provided face masks, however mostly everyone brought their own and had a good understanding of the new normal. We provided hand sanitiser which was used on entry.
“All equipment, the floor, doors, tables and chairs were wiped down before and after use. A massive thanks goes to Kevin the project manager for getting the cafe area stocked with drinks and snacks for members to use.”
Volunteer, Fred Beckett, was also thanked for donating an Alexa.
The club is not affected by the latest Covid-19 guidelines as it is an essential youth service and able to continue in groups of 15 and bubble groups where needed.
Beth said, “We are able to have 30 members attend, split into two bubble groups where we will split the hall in half. The space is perfect for what we need. It is large, open and has a high ceiling so our members are able to use balls in the hall safely.
“Due to Covid19 we have understandably lost a few volunteers which means we aren’t able to run all the activities we would like.” Anyone interested in volunteering from 5.30pm -7.45pm on Wednesdays. can contact the club via Facebook or email wwyouthclub@hotmail.com
A weekly basketball hoop challenge, a scrap challenge to make a choice of two objects, and a pool challenge are taking place.
The club is open every Wednesday term time, from 6-7.30pm. Entry is £1.
Beth said, “We’ve already had feedback that members would like the club to run longer, which is something we will look into once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.”
