Hailsham Youth Service is continuing to see strong attendance and positive engagement from young people following the introduction of a number of new youth clubs and activities at The Station Youth Centre in Western Road.
Managed and funded by Hailsham Town Council, the Youth Service has expanded its programme over the past two years to provide a wider range of opportunities for young people aged 10 to 25 across Hailsham and the surrounding area.
The new sessions have been developed to reflect the varied interests, needs and aspirations of young people, providing opportunities to socialise, develop skills, explore creativity and build positive relationships in a safe and supportive environment.
The Lounge, held on Mondays from 3.15pm to 5.15pm for young people in school years 6 to 12, provides a relaxed and welcoming environment where attendees can take part in board games, team challenges and strategy games, with snacks and refreshments also available. There is no charge to attend and no registration is required.
For those interested in the creative arts, Fusion takes place on Monday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The session covers a broad range of creative activities, including art, drama, film and multimedia, alongside jam sessions which give young musicians the opportunity to collaborate, experiment and develop their skills.
The Youth Service also runs On Track Hailsham on Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm for young people aged 10 to 25 with special educational needs (SEND). The programme focuses on developing social and independence skills through a range of activities, supported by a high staff-to-young-person ratio designed to ensure an inclusive and supportive experience for all attendees.
More recently, Hailsham Youth Service is delivering the home ed group Teens & Tweens at The Station Youth Centre. The Thursday social drop-in, which runs from 11am to 1pm, primarily supports 9-17 year olds, providing an additional opportunity to meet others, take part in activities and build connections within the local community. From September, this will be a free service.
Network@The Underground is aimed at young people aged 18 to 25 and takes place on Friday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. The session offers a dedicated social space where young people can meet others and enjoy activities including pool, air hockey and console gaming, with food and refreshments provided.
Andy Joyes, Youth Service Manager, said: “It has been particularly encouraging to see how young people have responded to the expansion of our programme. Each session has its own identity, but they all have the same underlying aim: to give young people a safe, welcoming place where they can be themselves, meet others and take part in activities that genuinely interest them.”
“The continued attendance demonstrates that there is a real demand for accessible youth provision in Hailsham. We listen carefully to what young people tell us they want from the service, and we will continue to develop our programme in response to those needs.”
Joel Cottingham, Deputy Youth Service Manager, said: “One of the strengths of the programme is the variety of opportunities available. Whether someone wants to play games and socialise, explore music and the creative arts, develop greater independence or simply spend time with other young people in a supportive environment, there is something for them.”
“We want every young person who comes through the doors to feel that The Station is a place where they belong. Building confidence, friendships and practical skills can make a significant difference, and it is rewarding to see those positive relationships developing across our sessions.”
All of the youth clubs make use of the facilities, equipment and activities available at The Station Youth Centre, with individual sessions continuing to evolve in response to the interests and feedback of young people. The programme also takes into account objectives and aspirations identified by parents and carers.
The Youth Service welcomes the opportunity to introduce more young people to the activities available and encourages parents and guardians to share information about the programme with their children.
For further information about Hailsham Youth Service, its youth clubs and other activities, contact 01323 841702 or email youth@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk