There are over 1200 young people between the ages of 11 and 19 living in Upton, and we want to help improve their lives through a regular place for them to go when out of school. We want to help young people to thrive and achieve their full potential regardless of their background or circumstance. The current generation of young people have had tough challenges to face. They’ve lived through the covid pandemic, with disrupted schooling and being stopped from meeting up with their peers. They’re now living through a cost-of-living crisis, with restricted family budgets and some families being unable to provide even the basics of a warm home and healthy food. In Upton, there has been no youth club for some years. We want to make a positive difference by engaging the community to enrich the lives of our young people. Our vision is that Upton will be a neighbourhood in which all young people feel supported and are able to achieve their full potential in life.

What we'll deliver:

• Recreational and educational activities to further mental, social and physical wellbeing
• Support and activities to develop skills, capacities and capabilities
• Advice, assistance and information about services
• Opportunities for older young people to volunteer and gain experience of youth work
• Opportunities for the community to engage with young people
• A generation of young people who feel listened to
• Young people who can engage positively with educational, training and job opportunities

Why it's a great idea:

All young people will have an additional, inclusive resource to enable them to thrive and achieve their full potential. They will have somewhere to go where they can meet with their peers and take part in positive activities, supported by trained adults. It will enable them to develop their skills and capabilities in a safe environment, enriching their lives now, and helping them shape their own futures. Whoever they are, they will have a sense of belonging in their local area, and not feel isolated, marginalised or excluded. We will empower young people to take an active role, engaging positively in education or training opportunities. They will feel listened to and understand how to engage with the democratic process, in order to have an impact on matters that affect them. The community will have the opportunity to volunteer in many ways to help young people. In Upton we will bring together all young people, including those from Services families at The Dale Barracks

Steps to get it done:

• Recruit paid staff
• Advertise the opening date for the Youth Club
• Plan programme of activities and buy necessary equipment

The need for better youth facilities was recently recognised in the Upton-by-Chester & District Neighbourhood Plan, formally made by CWAC Council in Sept 2022. There are currently no dedicated facilities for young people aged 11-19 out of school hours. Participation in school after-hours clubs, sports and arts or drama is limited to those whose families can afford it. While some areas of Upton are more prosperous, others are less so, and one is particularly deprived, ranked in the lowest 20% in England & Wales in terms of income, employment, education/skills/training, health & disability, and income deprivation affecting children (Index of Multiple Deprivation 2015).