New youth club in Ribble Valley to open next week

The countdown has begun for a new youth club in the Ribble Valley - a safe haven for young people from the age of eight - to open on Monday (April 12th).
Exciting times ahead as the countdown begins to the launch of a new youth club at Whalley AbbeyExciting times ahead as the countdown begins to the launch of a new youth club at Whalley Abbey
Exciting times ahead as the countdown begins to the launch of a new youth club at Whalley Abbey

The venue for the club is Whalley Abbey and it will cater for children aged eight to 18 years of age. It will initially operate seven days a week from 6pm.

Burnley Boys' and Girls' Club have worked alongside Whalley Abbey, Ribble Valley Borough Council and Ribble Valley Police to provide the community with a safe space for youngsters to use and engage with the community.

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A spokesman said: "During the past year with people spending more time at home relationships have been tested, young people are often finding an escape meeting up with their friends outside. This has caused angst and worry for residents leading to the local police getting involved. Burnley Boys and Girls Club understand and respect young people and that is at the heart of finding a solution."

The Hub in The Abbey will be a space for young people to get out of the rain and off the street. A place to have a brew, a chat with friends and a place to talk to someone who will not

judge. Organisers already have some great ideas for bringing the community together and engaging in projects to benefit the area's beautiful surroundings.

Centre manager, Graham Vernon, said “As in every village and town especially one where there are lots of new family home developments, the young people are not always aware of all the organisations that have services, or they just meet up with their friends outside. Not only has this caused frustration within the community, but also leads to an ever-decreasing circle of issues without there seemingly being a solution.

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"The Diocese of Blackburn with their vision for the Abbey as a place of safety and sacred history celebrates 100 years in 2026 and has been the heart of the community of Whalley and

surrounding villages and towns for 800 years.

"Working together with the Diocese, supported by Ribble Valley Police and other community organisations, I am positive that we can not only bring the community a little closer, but build on these new partnerships for years and generations to come. Who knows maybe in 800 years when young people learn about Covid 2020 they also celebrate the strength our community found to support each and every member.”

The club is fundraising for the renovation and upkeep of The Hub and is also appealing for local tradespeople to get involved in the transformation of creating the space.

For information on fundraising please visit the Whalley Youth Facebook group and to get involved with The Hub please contact Centre Manager Graham Vernon.

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