The end of the summer holidays is fast approaching, have we seen the final acts of youth services as clubs and activities struggle to continue.
Youngsters in King’s Lynn park, Norfolk. Across the county around 300 youth projects have closed, as well as council-run youth centres. Photograph: David Sillitoe for the Guardian
Much has been heard of the issues in inner city areas and indeed problems are large and significant. But it was interesting to see in the Society Guardian, Wednesday 24 August 2011 a whole page spread on the cuts to youth services in Norfolk, focusing on the town of King’s Lynn.There are many towns like King’s Lynn across the country and to quote Canon Bill Hurdman, whilst ministering in King’s Lynn,
“It has all the problems of an inner city area without any of the buzz”
A group of young people are interviewed outside the supermarket, where they have already been banned from gathering in groups of more than two.
The youth centre at Providence St has been closed, not the most inspiring of places, but at least was a place they young people could go, talk to their mates, have some fun and maybe learn at the same time.
This loss is being replicated across the country. What effect will this have? More importantly how will the morale and aspirations of young people find a place in all our towns.
Sue Martin
SmithMartin Partnership LLP, developing community projects.