Clarity was recently sought regarding a “youth club” being organised and funded by Bridgend Council in Brackla.
Advertising had started appearing around Brackla, and on social media, promoting a Friday evening “youth club” at Brackla Community Centre, catering for 11-25-year-olds. The advertising sparked concern at the thought of people in their mid-20s socialising with pre-teens – based on the wording.
In a recent Facebook post, Independent member of Brackla Community Council, Cllr. Mark Payn, said he had discussed the matter with Bridgend Council’s youth team.
It was clarified that it’s actually a “safe space” for young people and a means to offer support and advice rather than a traditional social club.
So it appears to be a well-intentioned communications blunder rather than a safeguarding risk, with the nature of “club” and age ranges not being properly explained beforehand.
The Brackla scheme would one of five such centres to launch in the county.
Under Welsh Government rules, space has to be offered to all age groups within their youth work bracket of 11-25, with separate sessions for different age groups being held depending on demand.
