THE Canberra Centre, home of Young Melksham, has re-opened following refurbishment, bringing new and updated facilities for the youth in Melksham.
To celebrate the opening, all youth clubs are being provided free of charge for the whole of October.
The refurbished centre now boasts a new tech area, a cosy corner, an extended tuck shop, counselling room and brand new toilets that were gifted and installed by local company, Rigg Construction, as well as the centre having a fresh lick of paint.
The grand re-opening of the centre took place on Saturday 5th October when youth club members and their families were invited to explore the new facilities. Baroness Jane Scott, former leader of Wiltshire Council, was invited to cut the ribbon.
Chair of Young Melksham, Jon Hubbard told Melksham News, “It’s so exciting! We are really delighted. The weather hasn’t been on our side but people have still come down to celebrate the re-opening, we could not be more proud of what we have achieved.
“This is a truly unique facility in the town. We all are aware that the biggest challenge with young people is anti-social behaviour. Facilities like this are being taken away from the youth – for example in Westbury, they are under constant battle to get their youth club back up and running and it’s a shame that they don’t have a home.
“This is where the youth in Melksham are truly lucky that they have a home, a safe base. The words ‘The Home of Young Melksham’ are crucial – this is theirs, they have ownership and it’s great that we have this space to work with young people and continue to do so.
“It made it extra special when we saw all of their faces when they first saw the centre after the refurbishments; it was really heartwarming.”
Baroness Jane Scott said, “I have been watching the project of Young Melksham since 2011 when it was Jon’s idea to take over the Canberra Centre. He is such a good community leader and has done wonderful things for the young people in the town.
“I have watched the growth and I am so pleased that Wiltshire Council finally agreed to give Young Melksham this building and take youth work in the town to the next phase.
“They all now have a stable place where they can grow their facilities which are obviously well needed. They offer counselling, group specific clubs and it would be wonderful if we could get this in every town. Jon has been a great leader on this project and I wish them well.”
The youth club has now returned to its normal opening hours: • Mondays: 3pm to 6pm – Youth Cafe. 6.30pm to 9pm – No Limits Club for young people with SEND aged 13-25 • Tuesdays: 6pm to 8pm – Youth Club for Years 5 and 6 • Wednesdays: 3pm to 6pm – Youth Cafe. 6.30pm to 9pm – Youth Club for Years 7 and 8 • Thursdays: 6.30pm to 9pm – Youth Club for Years 9 and up.
For the whole of October, all youth clubs are free to attend.
For more information about Young Melksham or the facilities they offer contact hello@youngmelk sham.org.uk or call 01225 667327.
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