Machynlleth Youth Club seeks volunteers. Club must be in consistent operation for local youth due to funding issues.
The club is at the Owain Glyndŵr Centre. It is a vital space for local youth, who lack safe hangouts outside school. The club started as an idea created by young people and residents. Now, it is a supervised space during term time.
The youth club struggles to open weekly. They need five volunteers each time, as 198 young people are on their list. About 40 to 60 attend each week. Beth Clewes is the IMY Youth Worker, and it’s a scramble to find enough help.
IMY needs more consistent help. People think IMY is a sure thing, but that’s false. It could vanish at any time and they are constantly fighting to stay open. One night a month from people would help; many hands make the work easier.
Since IMY started, police report less trouble. Last year, young people visited 1,753 times. They had funding from the National Lottery, which covers three staff for 18 hours weekly. They rely on volunteers to open each week still, despite having 13 active volunteers, with four as directors.
Beth says some kids have tough behavior. Still, they return weekly, knowing it’s consistent. IMY is there for them and it is an amazing thing to do. The club has a free recreation space, as well as activities like art and music. They also do events like Halloween parties and music nights.
More volunteers let them avoid weekly fees. Beth wants it open to all young people. Those who can’t volunteer time can donate to help the club stay afloat.
IMY needs help with grant writing too, since their funding will run out in March. Volunteers must be 18 or older and also need a DBS check, which IMY can help with. Reach out to assist them.