New lease of life for Myplace Rotherham youth centre

Myplace hosted four years of youth groups under the Reaching Communities project, paid for by the Big Lottery Fund.

But the clubs had to close their doors once the funding ran out a month ago.

Members had to go without their regular hang-out while the fund considered a three-year extension, which was granted to the delight of club-goers.

Roland Sarissky and Mario Gabor, both 16, are members of myplace’s steering group, which helps set the agenda for the teens’ sessions.

Roland said: “We were used to come here every Tuesday and Thursday. When it ended, we didn’t know what to do. Now it’s back, it’s really good.”

Mario added: “We missed the youth workers Nic, Levi and Vicky, because we’ve known them a long time and had confidence in them.”

Project leader Nicola Harding said these were “exciting times” for myplace and its young members.

“The project will provide open access youth clubs for ten to 19-year-olds,” she said.

“Young people will play a huge role in shaping these, through the steering group.

“We will also do youth work in areas surrounding the centre, daily drop-ins and two apprenticeship opportunities over the three years.”

The youth sessions are due to begin again in December, with relaunch parties already being planned.

Nicola added: “The steering group will be working hard to ensure that the launch events go with a swing, that the best candidates are recruited to the project and to ensure that their wider community know all about what they can get involved in.”