Peterborough youth club saved as volunteers come forward

A popular Peterborough youth club has been saved from closure after volunteers came forward to keep it open.

The Club at the Nene Valley Community Centre have been offering youngsters a safe – and fun – youth club in Woodston for several years.

Around 80 youngsters aged between 9 and 15 attend the club to take part in a variety of activities every week, with sessions costing just £3, and have received Lottery funding in the past.

But in an online statement earlier this month, organisers said they were unable to give the time needed to run the club, and saying the club would close – and put out a new appeal for volunteers to come forward to help keep the club alive.

However, now a new group, from the centre, has taken over the reins, with a bright future planned.

‘Amazing volunteers'

The team who have been running The Club have paid tribute to all those who helped keep it running over the last few years after making a decision to step away ‘with a heavy heart’.

They said: “We have had many amazing volunteers throughout the years, helping build a community space for the younger generations, from Glenn who sadly passed in 2023 being a vital volunteer, to Paul one of the chairmen and a volunteer for eight years to Judy and Adie, both vital committee members and who have had six years on board, turning up every week and doing a vital unpaid task for the community – not just on a Friday evening but through the week."

The team also paid tribute to all the volunteers who had given up their Friday’s to ensure the youth club could run.

‘Dawn of a new era’

In a statement, the new organisers said: “Nene Valley Community Centre are thrilled to announce the dawn of a new era as we take the reins of the community youth club (The Club), igniting a vibrant and exhilarating space for the youth of today and the generations to come.

"Brace yourselves for an electrifying adventure that will captivate minds, uplift spirits, and unleash the boundless potential within every young individual!

“Step into our revamped youth club, where imagination knows no limits and dreams take flight.

“Our mission is clear: to cultivate an oasis of joy and learning, where laughter echoes, friendships flourish, and self-discovery becomes an exhilarating journey. Brace yourself for an unforgettable amalgamation of fun, education, and personal growth!

"Picture this: a bustling hub of innovative activities designed to nurture creativity, enhance critical thinking, and foster a deep sense of belonging.”

The new team also paid tribute to all the volunteers who had helped run the club in the past, saying: “Nene Valley Community Centre would like to thank all past and current volunteers that have done a fantastic job over the years, as The Club would not have been possible with out you all. Thank you.”

The club opens on Friday evenings between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/theclubatnvcc