Youth clubs in Bangor and throughout Gwynedd could close as Gwynedd council looks to save £270,000 from its budget.

The council currently spends £995,300 per year on the youth service, but they are now considering ‘different ways of working’ in order to save £270,000, while continuing to provide support for young people.

During the winter of 2016/17, Gwynedd council undertook a consultation, asking young people, local communities and organisations across Gwynedd to help shape a ‘vision’ for the future of the Youth Service.

Nearly 800 people completed the survey and using the responses the council have now identified their preferred option (which would see all 42 youth clubs in Gwynedd close):

  • A Programme of activities and projects through secondary schools and in the community for 11-19 year olds throughout the year. (Gwynedd Youth Club)
  • Youth Worker attached to every secondary school.
  • Personal Support provided to 16-25 year olds who are facing barriers to education, training or work.
  • Commission the third sector to deliver activities and projects on behalf of the Youth Service to meet specific needs

Gwynedd council have now launched a six week consultation on its plans will run until 22 December, 2017. The survey is available here:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6MK5GCX

Children’s Commissioner for Wales Dr Sally Holland said it was ‘vital’ that young people in Gwynedd continued to access extra-curricular learning, whatever the council decides.

A report to the council warned removing the clubs from the communities would have a “negative impact” on young people, but that this could be mitigated.

Geoff Edkins, Unison regional organiser, said: “We will work with the council to protect this vital service for the young people of Gwynedd.”

Youth clubs in the Bangor / Ogwen Area include:

Bethesda (Cefnfaes Youth Centre) – Tuesday & Thursday 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Maesgeirchen (Youth Centre) – Monday 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Tuesday 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Mynydd Llandygai (Memorial Hall) – Tuesday 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Tregarth (Community Centre) – Monday & Thursday 7:30pm – 9:30pm