AFTER helping young people in Yate for more than 45 years, it is sad news that the St Nicholas Youth Centre has stopped its youth provision due to lack of funding.


Although the work has been dissolved, the future for the centre’s youth service is not bleak.
The passion and resilience of the town is shown through the council’s attitude as councillors are already begin to appeal for organisations to get involved.


Organisations are asked to offer support and help conduct the youth work there again, in an area where the services have been appreciated and well-used over many years.


Now that the youth work has officially come to an end, there is room for change and opportunity.
We should focus on making plans to ensure the service can return and get as many people involved as possible to maximise potential solutions.


As Cllr Willmore said: “People should not blame South Gloucestershire Youth Initiative (SGYI), we know they did not take this decision lightly, and found it a painful decision.”


The SGYI have worked hard to keep the services going at the centre and as we thank them for their work and commitment, it is imperative that we work together to find a way forward through the financial difficulties.


By spreading the word of the unfortunate news, and recommending organisations suitable to the centre, the youth provision could re-start sooner than many think possible, and open its doors to once again provide services to the young people of Yate.