Three new youth clubs have been launched in Smith’s Wood at a celebration event on Tuesday 17 June.
The youth clubs provide new opportunities for young people in the area, and include the Solihull Youth Bus, part of a new mobile youth outreach programme.
Jointly funded by Solihull Council and the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), the youth clubs aim to provide support and guidance to improve the lives of young people in the area aged 8-17.
The youth clubs are run by three local organisations with experience in providing youth support across Solihull, led by Urban Heard and supported by Winnr Sport and Fitcap.
Urban Heard’s club provides a safe space for 11-16-year-olds, where they can build social skills and try new activities in the company of trusted youth workers, at Auckland Hall Tuesdays 4-5:30pm.
Winnr Sport’s club, for 8-12-year-olds, focusses on supporting the younger generation to learn and grow at Smith’s Wood Primary Academy 5:30-7pm on Wednesdays.
Youth organisation Fitcap hosts older teenagers, aged 16 and 17, at Smith’s Wood Sports & Social Club, 8-10pm on Wednesdays, where they can play snooker and take part in fun activities on the Solihull Youth Bus.
Provided by Solihull Council and designed in collaboration with young people from Solihull, the bus aims to engage young people across the borough and reach those who may not already benefit.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, said:
“It was fantastic to be at the launch to see these youth clubs opening their doors in the north of the borough. Spaces like these give young people somewhere safe, supportive and fun to spend time outside of school.
“From sports and creative activities to skills workshops and social events. We hope that the clubs are going to be transformational for young people in the area.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing how the clubs grow and how they will help inspire and empower our next generation.”
Councillor Wazma Qais, Cabinet Member for Communities at Solihull Council, said:
“We want all young people in Solihull to feel valued, included and optimistic about their futures.
“Youth clubs aren’t just about fun – though that’s certainly important – they’re about creating the right environment where young people can express themselves, make friends and feel part of their local community. Whether it’s learning something new, getting help with a challenge, or spending time with trusted youth workers who care, clubs like this can make a huge difference.
“By offering wide-ranging and engaging programmes, these youth clubs along with the new youth bus will support young people to build confidence, develop life skills and explore new opportunities.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work our teams and partners have done to bring this project to life, and I hope they become a much-loved part of the community.”
Olivia, attendee of the youth club and design inspiration for the youth bus, said:
"It’s amazing that me and my friend Taylor’s designs have inspired the look of the youth bus – it’s brilliant to see it in real life! I’m so happy and proud to be part of something that will help other young people."