The Waterside Centre celebrates its third anniversary in Newbury
The Newbury community gathered to celebrate the third birthday of Berkshire Youth’s flagship facility, the Waterside Centre.
Newbury MP Lee Dillon opened the celebrations by the cutting the cake on Saturday, August 3.
But the centre does not only support young people through activities and programmes.
It has also become popular for its wide offerings of water sports, fitness classes and choirs.
Berkshire Youth chief executive Sarah Emery said: “On behalf of everyone at Berkshire Youth, we want to thank you all for your support of the Waterside Centre over the last three years.
“We are incredibly thankful for the support that our communities and funders have made to the Waterside Centre to make it such a focal point for the community in Newbury.”
Over the past two decades, more than £1bn of funding has been cut for youth services for young people across the country.
In West Berkshire alone, the budget for youth provision has been cut by 97 per cent in the past 10 years – underlining the importance of the work performed by local youth facilities.
The work at Berkshire Youth is about prevention and investing in the future of youth by providing an outlet to reduce mental health issues and crime involving young people.
Mr Dillon said: “This incredible youth and community hub is a lifeline for so many in our local area.
“From providing a safe space for young people to grow and thrive, to supporting the wider community through initiatives like the Newbury Community Larder, the Waterside Centre makes a difference.
“The dedicated team’s work is inspiring.”
The centre also houses a community café, serving coffees, teas, homemade cakes, brunches and lunches.
And every penny spent goes back into the community to provide valuable youth services in Newbury.
Back in 2021, the Waterside Centre underwent a major refurbishment after a fundraising campaign raised £1.4m towards the costs – turning the dilapidated building into a thriving community hub.
