New Eastside Youth Hub Opens its Doors in Hailsham

A new youth club opened its doors recently, which will engage young people in Hailsham and the surrounding area.

The continued expansion of Hailsham Youth Service‘s operations and opening of a satellite youth centre in the town, ‘Eastside Youth Hub’ based at the Hailsham East Community Centre in Vega Close, has been well received by the town’s young people.

The Eastside Youth Hub now runs sessions on Thursday evenings at the following times, operating all year round:

• 5.30pm-7pm: School Years 6-8
• 7.30pm-9pm School Year 9-11 (from September)

Sessions are free to enter for local young people and offer activities such as table tennis, games, crafts, well-being and more, with light snacks and refreshments served. A programme of activities such as cookery and sports will also be included.

Hailsham Youth Service, managed and funded by the Town Council, currently operates the Square Youth Cafe in Market Square, the Monday Youth Hub at the James West Community Centre, and the Hellingly Youth Hub at the village’s Community Hub premises, as well as Friday Night Project activity sessions and support services for young people such as SafeHub and Sexual Health.

The benefits of expanding the youth service into the east of the town is considered to be of benefit to young people and the local community in general.

“The new Eastside Youth Hub provides a safe place for the young people of Hailsham to go to receive mentorship, acceptance and empowerment, and to have fun in a constructive way, as well as building community spirit and well-being, ” said Youth Service Manager Andy Joyes.

“Eastside is a great addition to Hailsham and will provide a safe space for many young people, but also give them a range of great opportunities just like the young people who attend the Square Youth Cafe and our other centres receive.”

“Within growing communities, provision needs to be made for young people, and by running an additional free centre catering for 11-16 year olds, our hope is to encourage them to take part in other activities run by Hailsham Youth Service if they don’t already, such as the Friday Night Project.”

Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook commented: “The idea to set up a youth club based at the Hailsham East Community Centre is brilliant and we’re optimistic that we can go even further in terms of meeting the needs of young people through facilitated activities and support in Hailsham and Hellingly. In short, Eastside Youth Hub is a welcome 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 time is important. Eastside Youth Hub’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.”

“Youth service provision is within easy reach for the majority of young people in Hailsham, with record numbers attending the Square Youth Café, Monday Youth Hub, Hellingly Youth Hub and Friday Night Project sessions every week, and we hope many young people will attend the new Eastside Youth Hub facility as well.”