For those who don’t know, the old Rye Boys’ Club is now Rye and District Youth Club! It is running weekly and bringing local life back to Mermaid Street.
We have well over 100 children registered, and provide a safe space for them to just be children… They can play games, do crafts, make friends, or enjoy a few frames on our snooker, pool or table tennis tables.
As well as our redoubtable centre manager, Sophie, and our small team of volunteers, we now employ a part-time youth worker, Laura, and have composed a strong board of trustees to oversee the youth club and other organisations that we hope will soon operate from Mermaid Street. Safeguarding and welfare are at the forefront of our thoughts at all times, and we are now very pleased to have two senior professionals from the field of social work and education sitting on our board.
In due course, we are hoping that the club will be a community hub from which additional social and voluntary services will support the people of Rye and District in these challenging times. We are already talking to a number of organisations such as the Youth Employment Service, so watch this space…
Currently, with limited facilities, we are trying to offer some hot food each Saturday, but during school holidays we are hoping to expand our opening hours and offer a cooked meal each day as well as the general facilities of the club. Our aspiration is to support children, their families and the community.
Finally, we must note the terrific support we ourselves are receiving from the community, from our fabulous volunteers and our brilliant local businesses. We are hugely grateful to Morfey’s Removals, The Rye Retreat, Jenco, Rye DIY, Balfour Beatty, Steadline, and WS Wright Ltd. We’re also glad to have good neighbours at Jeake’s House, and very much appreciate the support of Chris and staff.
It goes without saying endeavours such as this require support, both in terms of willing volunteers and in terms of finance. We are about to launch a fundraising drive, and are always keen to hear from any individual or business that would like to support us. Additionally, donations can always be made via our website: www.theryz.com. Everything helps, from a one pound donation to a few hours a month as a volunteer. Do please consider supporting us.
