The idea
The Gedney Dyke Youth Club is a new community project based in Gedney Dyke, Lincolnshire, created to provide local children and teenagers aged 6–16 with a safe, fun, and supportive place to go. With no existing youth provision in the area, many young people currently lack opportunities to socialise, build friendships, or engage in positive activities outside school. The club will change this by offering weekly sessions full of games, crafts, sports, and themed evenings that encourage creativity, confidence, and community spirit. We aim to transform the village hall into a lively hub that young people can call their own. Led by dedicated local volunteers and supported by residents and councillors, the project will give young people something to look forward to, reduce isolation, and promote wellbeing. Funding will allow us to provide essential equipment, resources, and activities, ensuring the club becomes a sustainable and lasting benefit to our rural community.
What we'll deliver
- Purchase games, sports equipment, and craft materials for use by children and teens
- Install shelving and storage units to organise resources and activity materials
- Purchase a small sound system for music, announcements, and events
- Create a dedicated arts and crafts area with workstations for up to 12 children at a time
- Set up a noticeboard and signage to display schedules, achievements, and community information
- Provide safety equipment such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and protective gear for activities
- Provide tablets and accessories to support homework, learning, and digital activities
- Provide staff and volunteer training to ensure safe, high-quality sessions
- Purchase tuck shop stock including sweets, chocolate, crisps, and juice cartons for children
Why it's a great idea
The Gedney Dyke Youth Club will bring significant benefits to our community by providing local children and teenagers with a safe, positive, and engaging space. It will improve the area by reducing boredom and antisocial behaviour, while helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of belonging. Local residents and councillors strongly support the project, recognising the urgent need for youth provision in this rural area. One parent said, “There’s simply nowhere for our children to go around here. A youth club would make such a difference.” Our informal survey confirmed high demand for a safe, supportive environment where young people can socialise and develop life skills. Beyond directly benefiting children and teens, the project will strengthen community ties, encourage volunteering, foster intergenerational connections, and create a lasting sense of pride, positivity, and cohesion throughout Gedney Dyke and surrounding villages.
Steps to get it done
- Purchase equipment and materials, recruit and train volunteers, complete DBS and safety checks.
- Promote the youth club locally through schools, social media and community networks before launch.
- Host a launch event at Gedney Dyke Village Hall to welcome families and introduce the youth club.
- Begin weekly sessions with games, crafts, sports and wellbeing activities for ages 6–16.
- Gather feedback, review progress and plan future projects to grow and sustain the youth club.
