New volunteer-run Youth Local group to launch in Greenfield following end of services at Satellite Centre

A BRAND new youth group in Greenfield will throw open its doors to young people on Wednesday, April 1 following the withdrawal of provision from the Satellite Centre.

Oldham Council recently voted to end youth provision at their centre on Wellington Road as part of their £35million savings during the next financial year.

But concerned volunteers have rallied together to launch Youth Local (YoLo) to provide activities and support for young people in the area.

The not-for-profit group will have a temporary base at Greenfield Conservative Club and will hold their first ‘Meet and Greet’ event there on April 1 from 7pm – 8.30pm.

Young people and their parents are invited to see what is on offer from YoLo as well as sign up for a variety of activities and sessions.

Helen Bishop, a youth and community worker with 17 years’ experience in this area, is chair of the new group.

She said: “My main concern with the finish of the services at the Satellite Centre was there would be a lot of young people in this area with nothing to do.

“We want to make sure they have somewhere fun but also safe to go where we can give them any support they need.

“My aim is to make sure the provision available for young people doesn’t slip away further from this area than it already has.”

Helen, who ran the former Lees Youth Club, will work with a team of fully qualified and experienced youth workers and volunteers to deliver the services.

YoLo is now looking for help and financial backing from local businesses and groups to support their venture.

Helen added: “Currently, there is nothing at all for children and young people in Saddleworth and Lees – but they can’t always get into Oldham to go to Mahdlo.

“They are lovely people at Mahdlo and do a wonderful job but at a big centre you don’t get at personal touch and relationships as you do at a local group.

“Ultimately what we would like is to move back to the Satellite Centre, which was built with the intention of being used for children’s and youth services.”

Oldham Council is seeking a tenant to take over the running of the Satellite Centre and keep the facilities open for community use.

A statement of particulars is being put together by the council’s assets team, who will then invite expressions of interest and plans to be submitted by potential tenants.

The centre is currently home to local groups and organisations including PASSinc, mother and toddler groups and the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association.

For more information about Youth Local call Helen Bishop: 07899 997524.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Satellite Centre, contact Lisa Macdonald: please call 0161 770 5195 or email: lisa.macdonald@oldham.gov.uk

For more information on changes to youth services visit: www.oldham.gov.uk