A BELOVED youth club may be forced to close its doors after 100 years if funds cannot be raised to repair its dilapidated headquarters.
Years of neglect and a rise in vandalism at the Bradby Club’s home in East Union Street has left it with damage it cannot afford to repair.
As part of its centenary year, the club – which helps young people overcome challenging issues through various services and activities – has launched an appeal to raise £15,000 to fix structural defects such as severe rot and broken guttering.
Manager John Robertson said the defects would cause leaks, damp and major damage to the building over time, forcing the club to shut down if repairs were not carried out.
He said: “It has been a long time since the club building had any serious work done and it is beginning to show clear signs of age and neglect. These issues could cause serious damage.
“Being a charity, funds are difficult to acquire – especially when the majority of the funding raised is put towards providing opportunities and activities for young people.
“The building is so important. It is the base for our work, and is a safe, inspiring environment for young people who need it and may not have anywhere else.”
The club house is where the charity runs its activities to support young people into adulthood, including youth club sessions, a substance misuse service, a safer relationships and sexual health service, support for young carers and young parents, a boxing academy and gym facilities.
“We want to fix the club house and keep going so our young people have an environment where they feel safe – but without support this may not be possible,” John said.
“We will be so grateful for any little contribution that we receive for this wonderful cause. We take pride in knowing that our work allows young people to feel like there is always a helping hand when they need it.
“We’ve as good as chalked off 100 years. Together we can ensure the Bradby Club house is ready for the next century of youth and community work.”
Trustees have traced October 1919 as being the likeliest date for the first meeting of the club. The run-up to the 100-year anniversary has been marked by the Centenary Countdown – a programme of events celebrating the club throughout 2018 and 2019, and a vision of what the next few years can bring.
Visit www.tinyurl.com/yxb75ywp to contribute to the ‘Help Repair Broken Brabs’ appeal.
