Minister Stephanie Peacock MP shines a light on youth work in Gloucester

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. 

After a tour of the facility, which opened in late April, the Minister met some of the young people that attend the weekly youth clubs at the hub, run by the Blackbridge CCBS Youth Work Team, as well as other key funders.  

The Minister was invited cut the ribbon and launch a brand-new youth club – Fit Friday – which includes bookable sessions for local young people to use the new sports pitches, as well as other facilities at the hub. A new youth café has also opened and complements the Tuesday and Thursday youth clubs already running at the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub.   

Debbie Etheridge, Head of Youth Provision, Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub said:

“We were delighted and proud — as an organisation, as a youth team, and on behalf of all the young people who benefit from using the Community and Sports Hub in Podsmead — to showcase what we’ve achieved together. It’s undoubtedly something to be proud of and having Stephanie Peacock MP and our supporters and stakeholders who have helped us on our journey here with us was the cherry on the cake.”

As the new home of the dedicated Podsmead Youth Work Team, we’re proud to offer safe spaces, trusted relationships, and meaningful opportunities — helping young people build brighter futures, right here in their own community.”