A popular village youth hub is set to re-open after a public meeting amid fears all the clubs in Gosberton would have to close.
An open meeting was called in a bid to encourage more people to step forward and re-open the junior club while strengthening numbers for the older club.
“Due to the lack of volunteers we had to close the junior hub at the end of last year. After a great response, we are happy to say we have had some volunteers step forward to help,” said Tammie Ryan, secretary and trustee.
“Gosberton Youth Centre has become far more than a building; it’s a trusted space where young people feel safe, supported and heard. The Youth Hubs open twice monthly on Fridays, providing opportunities for children and teenagers to build friendships, develop confidence and access positive activities that many would otherwise struggle to find locally.”
The junior youth hub was suspended at Christmas due to a lack of volunteers and the centre’s trustees issued a plea for help.
The problem wasn’t helped when the current service provider said that rising costs and limited volunteers meant it was unable to continue delivering the hubs under the terms of the current contract.
“After a great response, we are happy to say we have had some volunteers step forward to help,” said Tammie.
“We are passionate about making sure the youth of today have a safe space to come and talk, meet new friends and learn social skills,” she added.
The centre holds two bingo sessions a week which is the main source of income, but there are new ideas in the pipeline.
There is no funding from local government so the centre has to be self-supporting.
“We would love to thank everyone who has come forward so far with offers to help. We really appreciated everyone’s help and passion in helping us. Our volunteers, along with the management committee, bingo committee and trustees are the heart of the youth club and we all want to see 2026 be our best year yet,” said Tammie.
Over the course of the last three years, the centre has undergone significant refurbishment, transforming the building into a safe space for young people.
“What began as a small relaunch has grown into thriving junior and senior youth hubs, attracting young people from Gosberton, Quadring, Donington, Surfleet and the neighbouring communities.
“Over the last three years we have seen Gosberton Youth Centre come back to life. The building has been refurbished, membership has grown to more than 90,” said Tammie.
