Yahoo News Brigg gets a youth club again
A new youth club has launched in Brigg.
The market town had been without a youth club for years. Its youth centre in Grammar School Road closed during the pandemic. That building was subsequently put up for sale in December 2020 by North Lincolnshire Council.
Although a petition was launched that urged a change of mind, a planning application by Sheffield-based Bliss Homes Developments Ltd to demolish the former youth centre followed in 2023. However, Grimsby Live was told at the time by petitioner Hannah Dobson of a potential youth centre in the future.
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Oikos-Brigg are a Christian charity based in the town and have already run a food bank, warm space, a High Street shop, and a school uniform exchange hub. Hannah, a trustee and who led the food bank, said Oikos had a plan to "develop some form of youth centre" since feedback from Brigg residents several years before.
A Brigg Youth Club was launched last month. It is based at Brigg Methodist Church and runs on Fridays, 6.30 to 8pm, for 11-14 year olds. There have also been engagement sessions with pupils at Sir John Nelthorpe School. Youth worker Grace Smith said OIKOS and the Methodist Church have been the project's main backers, though there have been other funders, including the National Lottery.
The club offers games and a place to hang out. "We have things like the pool table and the air hockey. We offer a free snack each week, too.
"Last week, we had a challenge where they had to build a mini golf course," she said of activities that also form part of the sessions. Though in its early days, four activity events and a day trip are planned for future too.
"From next week, we're hoping to open a group for 14-18 year olds." This will be on Thursdays, from 6-7.30pm at OIKOS's shop in Brigg. The first session, on July 11, will be a pizza night, games and feedback on what participants would like in future. Grace said she was keen to get the word out about the youth club, and confirmed the youth club is free.
"Just turn up" was her message to any young people interested by it. The club's aim is "just to give a safe space to enjoy activities and just some time outside of school," she added. To find out more about Brigg Youth Club, visit here.
The demolition of the former youth centre in Grammar School Road, and its replacement with two four-bed homes, was granted planning approval in December. The centre was "in an extremely poor state and an unsightly blot on this street scene", a planning document stated.
