Youth centre project set to expand

AN ESTABLISHED community centre is increasing its work with young people after the success of trial events. Bexhill Youth and Community Centre in Station Road has been active for 13 years. Though a range of private groups regularly use the centre, most work focuses on local youth.

The expansion is deemed particularly important after a recent Government survey found living conditions in three wards surrounding the centre had deteriorated.

The 2007 Index of Multiple Deprivation placed Sackville, St Michael's, and Central wards in the bottom 20 per cent of national rankings.

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Paul White, manager of the centre, said the building was "ideally placed" to offer services to those from disadvantaged areas of Bexhill.

On October 3 the centre tested a party night for those aged 12-16, applying a dress code of "No hoodies, no hats".

The event, called U-16, attracted around 100 young people from the locality. Mr White described it as "a great success."

The event is on its way to becoming a monthly fixture. Mr White said: "There were no problems at all. It's only once in a blue moon we have issues with behaviour."

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"Our staff are well trained. If people see a police car outside they might jump to conclusions, but it's because the police come over to support the centre, not work against us. We work closely with Police Community Support Officers."

The centre is also expanding its youth club.

On Tuesday evenings about 60 young people regularly enjoy games of pool, air hockey, table tennis, and the occasional culinary project.

Demand for the service has prompted plans for a further three clubs a week, provisionally scheduled for Thursdays and Sundays.

The centre, run by 14 staff, will have to fit these developments around an already busy schedule.

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An OFSTED-approved playgroup for the early years runs five mornings a week, and a 'walking bus' service escorts local school children back to 'Base' '“ an after-school club that runs until six. Mr White said: "It's a service for parents who are at work really; we provide somewhere for their children to come and play."

More information on the centre can be found at: www.bexhillcommunitycentre.com

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