Club for young in need of helpers

From the archive, first published Wednesday 15th Mar 2006.

AN Alcester youth club volunteer has expressed his disappointment at the lack of support for the group from town residents.

Retired teacher Bill Bayley has spoken out after a recruitment meeting failed to attract a single volunteer to help out at the weekly club. A second evening was held last week in which Mr Bayley believes a few people attended.

"We hear a lot about the problems with our youth and they are not the easiest people to engage with by any means," said Mr Bayley. "But things will only get worse if no adults here in Alcester can find a couple of hours a week to meet them and make them feel they are part of the community.

"There are a few more buildings near Alcester Opportunities that can be used by the club but they need more supervisors - but there's no one who wants to do this. The demand from the kids is there and we have the money but we just have not got the people to look after them.We can offer training where people can be shown how to handle situations. But it's about someone talking to the kids."

Around 40 young people attend the youth group which meets each Thursday from 7-9pm at the Greig. There is just one youth worker along with one volunteer, Mr Bayley.

Bill, who has been volunteering for more than 25 years, said there were three things people would get from volunteering - a sense of service to the community, doing something for the kids of the town and also getting a sense of achievement.

He added: "It's a shame we don't get more volunteers, as I think they could get something from it. I wish they would just try, even for just a few hours a week."

Anybody wishing to help should call Mr Bayley on 01789 762841.

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