1 November 2017
Frome's Green Councillors are supporting the town's Youth and Community Centre in their plans for 'building a resilient community'. Councillors Des Harris and John Clarke recently met with Mark Willcox, the youth and community development manager, to hear about plans for the centre over the next few years.
YMCA's Mark Wilcox (left), Chiara Docherty (middle) and Louise Luna-Lopez (right),
with Councillors John Clarke (second left) and Des Harris (second right)
Before YMCA taking the lease, the building had deteriorated through lack of funding to undertake desperately needed maintenance. The service had been affected to the extent that some clubs were no longer able to use the centre. Without the YMCA stepping in the community would have lost this valuable resource for the young people of Frome.
YMCA have already replaced the sports hall roof (and are hoping to install solar panels) and installed a new boiler. These improvements were the most urgent for safety reasons and to ensure the centre could continue to attract groups and become a viable resource for the community. Funding has been received from SCC, Frome Town Council and other sources but there remains a significant amount to be found. There are therefore real challenges to raise funding both for the initial works and for further improvements in the future.
Some funding has been secured for providing youth work throughout Mendip and South Somerset. A youth and community team is now in place working to make a difference to communities, encouraging young people to have a voice in local politics and investing in their communities.
Mark said, "We want to create a hub for the whole community, and to transform the centre into a vibrant, warm, welcoming and exciting space." Des Harris and John Clarke agreed these ideas for the future would be a challenge to achieve, but would result in a much improved service for all the community. County Councillor John Clarke said, "What is so crucial is that here is an organisation which is committed to providing a service which will have a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of the community. We should applaud YMCA for what they are hoping to achieve." District Councillor Des Haris said, "This is an opportunity for all the community, not just the youth of Frome, but all ages, to have somewhere they can use and benefit from."
One unresolved issue is the outcome of the future sale of the land to the rear of the centre by its current owner, Somerset County Council. It is hoped some of the land could be given to the centre to enable the building of a gym for all ages, a community cafe and meeting room. This would be an integral part of the proposed Community Hub. SCC have indicated they would not be opposed to this arrangement. It would be subject to Mendip District Council agreeing the land be designated for "community use".
Cllr Clarke said that he hoped SCC could be encouraged to consider further funding be given to YMCA from the sale proceeds, and will discuss this possibility with council officers. He said, "We are always being told we have to look at how we can reduce spending, rather than looking at what we should be investing in for the benefit of the community. This is an opportunity to invest for the future: the future of our young people, the future of our community."
"Let's help make the plans a reality and support Frome Youth and Community Centre and YMCA in creating a community hub we all can be proud of. This is part of building resilient communities where emotional, social, physical and psychological needs can be met, part of promoting the wellbeing of our community and all the people that make up our community."
Please support Frome Youth & Community Service. Encourage your family to
use the facilities or, if your group or club are looking for a venue, think of the centre. If you know of any organisation which could offer financial help, please contact Mark on mwillcox@mendipymca.org.uk.
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