Youth work in Gloucester and across the county had a moment in the spotlight as Stephanie Peacock MP, Government Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth heard how things are changing in the area and launched a brand-new youth club night – Fit Fridays – at the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub in Podsmead, funded by the Youth Investment Fund grant.
It came as part of a visit by the Minister to Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, a community development charity who began delivery of universal open access youth services in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean last October, working in partnership The Venture Community Hub and the Forest Voluntary Action Forum.
Starting where it all began, the Minister was given a tour of Gloucester Services and an overview of the Trust’s partnership with Westmorland, and how the ripple effect of the growth of Gloucester Services enabled the Trust to bid for the youth services contract last year.
The Minister and colleagues then heard from local young people about how the community ownership model introduced by Gloucestershire Gateway Trust is having an impact.
The group then headed to the brand-new Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub in Podsmead. The Hub’s development was supported by a Youth Investment Fund grant of over £2.5 million.
