Callington Youth Group hopes to be "lifeline" in helping prevent crime and build community

A look inside: The new youth centre which has been welcoming youngsters for drop-in's each week is off to a success

Paul Carey, outside the Vault Youth Centre in Callington
Author: Megan PricePublished 16th May 2024

A youth centre in South East Cornwall hopes to be a "lifeline" for young people in the area since it's launch.

The group which was set up as a drop-in in the town, was founded by the Callington Youth Project Group, with the aim to help young people access experiences and services they find difficult to do because of the semi-rural location.

Since the official launch in April, the group have seen an average of 20 children or more coming through their doors each week.

The centre in Callington hopes to reduce things like knife crime by encouraging young people on a better path.

Take a look inside:

The centre, based at the former Lloyds Bank in Fore Street, is currently equipped with a music area, a games room, gaming devices including a Playstation, a darts board, a table tennis table, table football table and a kitchen with snacks for the people attending.

Music area with drum kit, keyboard and various instruments
Room being painted by young people

Another room is currently being painted by young people who are attending the group to make it into a quieter space for youths to read and relax.

Amelia Fitzroy, 18, is one of the young people who came up with the idea.

"The Youth Group can get quite loud, it's nice to have a chill area, a reading room where we can relax. We've painted it blue and light blue.

"A group of my friends, we're 17 and 18, some of the oldest who come here so we decided to make this room."

Amelia Fitzroy, 18

Paul Carey, the chair of the Callington Youth Project Group (CYPG), said he wanted to offer young people opportunities to learn and the chance to talk with youth workers.

'Lack of facilities'

He said there were issues with drugs and knife crime in the town, but he hoped the new centre would offer an alternative path for young people.

"At least we are giving young people the chance to come in and learn and perhaps interact with some youth workers that we are paying for.

"The founding trustees came to realise there was a lack of facilities for young people in Callington, especially those that tend to shun more organised activities such as scouts and football."

Read more:

New Youth Centre opens in Callington

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