BROWNSOVER Youth Hut is set for a much-needed facelift.
Fortem Management Trainees (FMT) are aiming to raise £2,500 for improvements to both the inside and outside of the Hollowell Way community centre.
An FMT spokesperson said: “Brownsover Youth Hut was created through the On Track initiative with sessions funded by Orbit Housing. This was put in place to cut down gang culture following a number of issues experienced throughout the community with gangs from neighbouring towns grooming young people. Drug sales and usage amongst young people in Brownsover was extremely high.
“Since the creation of the youth hut, those figures have almost halved – which is credit to the fantastic work being delivered by the On Track team. The youth club is a central hub and safe place for young people to come and feel part of something positive in their local community.
The On Track team also offer educational workshops for young people ranging from gang culture to mental health awareness.
The spokesperson continued: “After 40 years of chronic underinvestment, most youth centres across the country are falling apart. Brownsover is no exception. Due to limited and short term funding, Brownsover Youth Hut is currently only run twice a week with around 70 young people, between the ages of ten and 16, using the service each week. The severe lack of funding has resulted in the facility becoming tired, old and generally run down.
“A number of other issues faced by youth clubs across the UK, including Brownsover, are poor reputation, lack of investment in design and delivery of programmes and services, as well as a low profile in the community and status of what they do.”
“We are looking to create an upgraded space for the young children to use and call their own. Works to the interior, exterior and garden will improve the state of the building and benefit the young people in the community.
“We also aim to incorporate government initiatives to create a new generation of super-clubs with modern spaces and facilities to attract young people and get them off the streets and most importantly leave a lasting legacy.”
Kevin Brookes, coordinator from Rugby Borough Council, admitted the building was “on its last legs”.
He added: “Working with the Fortem team on this project will show the young people that the community does care and wants to invest in them and their futures.
“Investing in our users will be the biggest difference and the end goal is to show every young person that their lives do matter and we are wanting to improve and support them on their journey.”
Coun Kieren Brown is backing the project.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted that money is being allocated to rejuvenate the Brownsover Youth Hut. This is a valued community resource and any extra investment at this time is most welcome.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rugbyyouthhut to donate.
