Association looks to support Kintbury youngsters
Two events are being held in the village to ensure the needs of young people continue to be met
TWO events are taking place in Kintbury in the next week to try and ensure the needs of young people in the village continue to be met.
Earlier this year, West Berkshire Council decommissioned universal youth services as part of the cuts to its budget, with one of the days at Kintbury Youth Club being stopped on August 1 as a result.
However, the Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People (BACYP) has recently been working in partnership with Kintbury Parish Council, Kintbury Youth Centre and the district council's Youth Services to try and make sure the needs of the young villagers continue to be met.
As part of BACYP's role to help the community work out what is wanted by young people and how the community can make it happen, two events have been organised for children to have their say on what they want and for adult volunteers to come forward.
The first such event, between 1pm and 4pm at Preston Hall on Saturday (September 3), is called Speak Out and gives young people the chance to share their views and experiences and highlight issues important to them, with several activities, including film, photography and arts and crafts set to be available on the day.
The second event will take place on Friday (September 9), again at Preston Hall between 7pm and 8.30pm, offering the chance for adults to meet with BACYP staff to discuss what the young people have said and whether they can offer any support to help run events.
BACYP have confirmed there will be follow up events to discuss the way forward and produce an action plan, with a community celebration event in the offing to recognise the contributions of young people.
Kintbury parish councillor, Ruth Kaye, said she was incredibly grateful for the help of BACYP, while she said she was optimistic about the future of the youth club, despite the current situation.
She said: “Thank goodness they (BACYP) have come to the rescue.
“I am optimistic that this drive will work and maybe we can look to do regular events, like a disco once a month.”
For more details on the events, contact Tanya Honor, at BACYP, on 01635 500848.
