New youth club launches in Bratton

A weekly youth club has launched in Bratton, with 25 local teenagers coming together to socialise at the first session. 

The club has been set up for young people aged between 11 and 18 after a consultation for Bratton’s Neighbourhood Plan identified a need for better provisions for this age group. 

“The first session was a huge success,” said Bratton Parish Councillor Jess Scott, who is organising the club. “A few children came for an hour and a half and then went to play football in the park.15 of them stayed for two hours and about six stayed until 8.30pm and, wonderfully, helped tidy up at the end.  

“One of the highlights was when a group of 13-year-old boys requested to play musical chairs and a couple of 15-years-olds facilitated that for them. It was very funny and they’ll be back for the next Youth Club, I’m sure.” 

The sessions cost £1 to attend, which includes drinks, snacks, and access to activities such as pool, table tennis, skittles, and a drum kit. There are also plans to offer trips out in the future.   

The sessions have been supported by grants from the parish council and The National Lottery Community Fund. 

“We aim to ensure that costs are kept low enough that fees do not become a barrier to socialising,” said Cllr Scott. “This will benefit a wide variety of young people and, we hope, will reduce their feelings of social isolation, something which is all too frequent in rural communities. 

“We are also offering people aged between 16 and 25 the opportunity to volunteer in the Youth Club so developing leadership and personal relationship skills which will be useful additions to their CVs in the future.” 

Sessions take place every Friday between 6pm and 8.30pm at Bratton’s Jubilee Hall. People do not need to book and can just drop in. 

For more information, email Cllr Scott at jess.rose@brattonparishcouncil.gov.uk