March 2023
Penny popped into the Lambourn Youth Club to see how they have been getting on since they launched in November. She was pleased, but not surprised, to discover that it is extremely well run and attracts about 60 kids every week between the ages of nine and 14 (but most are under 13). The group is led by Anna Field who used to run the Lambourn Cafe years ago and is a professional youth worker. She has put together a brilliant group of volunteers and there are about eight adults helping every week with everything from tuck shop to playing chess, entry registration and crafts. There is also a youth worker supplied by Berkshire Youth.
They just need a few more volunteers to join the rota. No previous experience is required and full DBS check and safeguarding training will be provided. Weekly commitment not necessarily required, fortnightly or monthly would also be appreciated. They are also looking for people to run specific one-off activities such as crafts, pottery, jewellery, knitting, woodwork, growing plants…or sports, games, any activity that might be of interest to an enthusiastic bunch.
This could suit a Duke of Edinburgh student, a young person looking for youth work experience, a parent or grandparent or anyone who wants to get inolved with the community.
If you can help please contact Anna on youth@lambournjunction.uk.
5 November 2022 update
The first meeting of the Lambourn Youth Junction was a great success with 50 children turning up. “So great to see such a fantastic turnout last night,” Anna Field said. “We hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did. Thank you for all your wonderful suggestions. A huge thanks as well to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help.”
If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Anna on youth@lambournjunction.uk.
“We can’t wait for next week’s session,” Anna added. “There’s no need to register again if you’ve already signed up – but if you’d like to come and haven’t already signed up, here’s the link: tinyurl.com/lyj-signup. And remember to keep your eye on our Facebook page for information about future activities.”
A new youth club for the Valley
The new Lambourn Youth Junction will be based at the British Legion for young people in Years 5 to 9 from along the valley to meet weekly for fun activities or just enjoy a safe place to hang out. The club is being supported by MNR Coaching and Berkshire Youth who are providing a youth worker.
The organisation will evolve according to the input of the young people involved.
Parents (or legal guardians) just need to complete this online form to sign up their children or call 07749 844 600 to find out more. Over 30 young people are already signed up. A voluntary weekly donation of £1 is appreciated.
The Lambourn Youth Junction is operated by the Lambourn Junction Community Interest Company, a not-for-profit organisation serving the residents of the Lambourn Valley.
How to Help
Volunteers are needed and warmly welcomed to help run the club. Volunteers would be DBS checked and safeguarding training will be provided. Young adults (over 16) are encouraged to volunteer for example for their Duke of Edinburgh awards.
The Lambourn Youth Junction is a not-for-profit initiative. If you would like to support the Lambourn Youth Junction financially please contact office@lambournjunction.uk.
For more details please listen here (from 38 min 50 sec) to Penny’s interview with Anna Field on 4LEGS Radio on 7 October 2022.
Contact Details
Lambourn Youth Junction
07749 844 600
youth@lambournjunction.uk
facebook.com/lambournyouthjunction
