Hailsham Youth Service to Set Up New Social Nights for 18-21s

A new youth club will open its doors next week, which will engage young people aged 18 to 21 in Hailsham and the surrounding area.

‘Network @ The Underground’ social nights are to be launched, which will take place from 7pm-9pm every other Friday at the Station Youth Centre in Western Road, starting on Friday 8th November.

The new club will provide a safe space for 18-21-year-olds to drop in with their friends, socialise and access support. Sessions are free and activities include pool, arcade air hockey and console games. Food and refreshments will be available.

Additional Network @ The Underground sessions are scheduled for Friday 22nd November, Friday 6th December and Friday 20th December.

The announcement of the opening of the new sessions for 18-21s is just part of an exciting new chapter for Hailsham Youth Service this year, following the recent purchase of new premises by the Town Council and relocation of the youth service’s operational centre to The Station in Western Road.

Hailsham Youth Service, which this year celebrates 25 years of operation in Hailsham and Hellingly, has had an impact on the lives of thousands of young people and grown from one operational base at 1 Market Square into an expanded service which operates throughout the local community.

The Service, which is funded and managed by the Town Council, provides activities, support services and opportunities for young people in the local area and operates the Hellingly Youth Hub and Monday Youth Hub sessions on weekdays, in addition to organising free and low-cost activities at various locations as part of the ‘Friday Night Project’.

The new Station Youth Centre building is suitably located close to the town centre and recreation ground and boasts high accessibility levels with disabled access provided and nearly 400m2 of space for young people and the wider community to use.

The ground-level main hall (The Underground) has been transformed into a lounge-style space for young people, with comfortable seating areas and ample facilities.

“The Station Youth Centre provides a safe place to motivate, inspire and empower young people in a constructive way, building community spirit and well-being, ” said Youth Service Manager Andy Joyes. “The new centre has become a great addition to the Service’s provision, and it continues to provide a safe space for many young people. Additionally, the facility gives them a range of great opportunities, just like the young people who attend the Hellingly Youth Hub, Monday Youth Hub and Friday Night Project receive.”

“Within growing communities, provision also needs to be made for young adults, and by running our new Network @ The Underground sessions on alternate Fridays, our hope is to encourage 18-21s to carry on taking part in the wide range of activities organised by Hailsham Youth Service for a few more years – and benefit from our support services too if needed.”

Town Mayor Cllr Paul Holbrook commented: “By setting up additional sessions for 18-21s, we’re optimistic that we can now go even further in terms of meeting the needs of young people through facilitated activities and support. In short, the Network @ The Underground sessions will be a great addition to Hailsham Youth Service’s offering.”

“Managing the greater demand from young people to have safe places to go and something to do out of school or college time is important. The Station Youth Centre’s aim is to provide a space where young people can chill out and make new friends and, like our other venues, will ensure a safe and welcoming environment for them regardless of background, gender or culture.”