Holbeach Youth Centre issues urgent plea for helpers

V NEWS

Holbeach Youth Centre is struggling to stay open due to a lack of volunteers.

The popular place would appear to be a victim of its own success.
One adult is needed for each 15 young people and sometimes around 80 attend the sessions, requiring six grown-ups.

Lynn Katze, youth development officer for Holbeach Youth Centre, said: “We’re really struggling to keep it open.
“During the winter months we had up to 77 young people on a Friday evening.

“Attendance figures have decreased to around 35-45, which is usual during the summer months but we desperately need some more adult volunteers.

“Trustees have recently taken over the centre with the aim of running it as a charity with the support of volunteers. However, we are currently struggling to recruit them.”

The youth centre in Boston Road South is open on Fridays 7pm-9.30pm but the ambition is to open for a second night.

The team of trustees, which includes Holbeach county councillor Nick Worth, is sometimes able to help manning the sessions but more volunteers are required.

Lynn, who works for Lincolnshire County Council, is the youth centre’s only paid member of staff.
“We’re looking for anyone aged 18 or older to help out,” she said. “They don’t have to have any experience of working with children and any help that they’re able to give would be much appreciated.

“If the only time commitment they could make is one night a month that would be great.
“All we ask for is enthusiasm and if someone’s got skills in arts and crafts, music or sport that would be a wonderful extra.”

Every potential volunteer would need to be checked by the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) but this would be paid for by the youth centre.
Opportunities are available for First Aid training and to work towards the Lincolnshire Volunteer Card.

To find out more, pop along to a Friday night session or contact Lynn on 07824 372623 or email lynn.katze@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Leave a Reply