Example of a world class youth centre - North West

Tags: Bolton | case study | North West | youth facilities

Bolton Lads & Girls Club -Lancashire

A renowned youth social club it was set up in 1889 to provide a safe place for young lads, particularly those working in the mills, to enjoy leisure activities.

Over the next century the club grew and grew and began letting girls in from 1991. After further development it was decided that the original 19^th century building could be stretched no more and needed updating.

In 2002 a new £5.1m centre was opened which featured such activities as a fully equipped gym, large sports hall, performing arts studio, cyber café and all weather football pitch. These help to provide a quality experience for young people in helping them learn, develop and plan for their future.

Situated in the top 10 per cent of deprived wards in England the centre is open seven days a week and over those days caters for over 3000 children and young people. Working at the centre are 41 full-time members, 83 part-time members and about 360 volunteers, all helping to give the best possible support, from sports coaching to one-to-one advice and guidance.

Affordability is a fundamental principle of the centre; 40p is all it takes for a child to use the centre and its facilities for the evening, whilst an extra £1 provides that child with a three course meal. This means that member contributions cover only about 15 per cent of the running costs of the club, and so it relies heavily on fundraising and donations.

Chief Executive Jeremy Glover said of the centre: "The Lads & Girls Club is a Positive Place for Children and Young People, we open whenever schools are closed. 3,000 Children and Young People use the Club every week. Some come just to enjoy the modern, new facilities, for others the Club becomes a second home where they know they will always get a warm welcome and find a caring and supportive member of staff ready to help with any problems they may have."

Earlier in the year the myplace Support Team visited the club and saw for themselves the excellent facilities on offer for young people, including the boxing gym where Olympic star Amir Kahn learned to box.

Denis Donoghue who is involved in researching lead practice for the myplace support team said: "I was amazed at just how much was going on at the club and what a busy place it was. Everywhere you look there are posters and leaflets publicising what they have achieved and sharing good news with club members. It seems like there's a real ethos of celebrating success that helps inspire others."

 Bolton Lads & Girls Club Case Study (260.6 kB 2010-07-21 09:59:41)

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