Purple Elephant Family Support’s new youth club, run in partnership Young Somerset, has already been declared a success by both the young people who use it and adults alike. They are now looking for volunteers to support the club.
Opened in October, for 8-13 year olds, and now officially named as The Key Club, this new venture is clearly hitting the right note for its 20 young members. With comments from young attendees including “You can do whatever you want and there’s food! It feels like home here”, a child-led approach, with young people’s contributions at the core of the decision-making process, is helping to shape a welcoming and inclusive space.
Youth Club Coordinator, Katie Marshall explains “The contribution of the young people is at the heart of the club. We give them as much autonomy as possible, because it is their club. Our role as adult youth workers is to support their ideas to come alive. Even the name, The Key Club, was decided on collaboratively by the young people. It stands for K-kind, E-enjoyable, Y-Youth, C-Club, which tells us already how they are feeling about their place.”
Thanks to the young members’ input, the Key Club, based at the Key Centre on Feltham Lane, has already held a karaoke night, a movie night and pizza-making, alongside its weekly opportunities to enjoy boardgames, craft and creative activities, a chillout quiet room and an at-cost tuck shop. Earlier this month, in celebration of love, friendship and kindness, the club also held a Valentine’s party with themed crafts, painted nails, decorated biscuits and cards for those who are special to the young people. The group also made a collaborative piece (pictured) inspired by their discussion on what they love doing, what they love about friends and family members and what they love about themselves.
Future plans include a professional coming in to lead a cooking session, teaming up with a graphic designer to create a new logo for the club, and, in the lighter spring evenings, the club will extend outside to Tower View Park for games, sports and more.
The Key Club is currently looking for volunteers to join their team and support alongside its Youth Club Workers, who seem to be enjoying their time as much as the children. Youth Worker, Freya told us “I love that the children are safe and free here. They’re open to new opportunities they don’t access elsewhere which is really special.”
Volunteers who can relate well to, and have some experience with young people, are encouraged to contact the club. Anyone applying to volunteer must be over 18 and willing to undergo a DBS check. Required on a Thursday evening, but with no need to commit to every week, Purple Elephant and Young Somerset will also offer training in safeguarding and other vital areas of support.
As youth Worker, Carla, told us, “I really would encourage anyone who enjoys the company of young people and has some experience with them to, please, volunteer and join us. It’s such a fulfilling role. After a long day, I come here and have fun with people I know, it makes me feel good and I always leave feeling happy.”
If you are interested in joining the fun as a support Volunteer at the club, please email Purple Elephant, with your contact details, at info@purpleelephant.org.uk