News -Regen Young People

The Regen Centre opened in August 2000. Young people were allowed use of an area, either unsupervised or supervised by volunteers when available. The aim was to enable them to self-manage this drop-in facility, with minimal supervision.

Within a few months most volunteers had withdrawn, largely due to the personal abuse and challenging behaviour of a few individuals. In some circumstances this led to damage and theft. In addition, complaints were received from other Centre users and staff, unable to tolerate bad language and intimidating behaviour. This behaviour alienated other children too, who would have benefited from this social setting.

A child's behaviour can deteriorate when they are left unsupervised, or in the company of friends. With this in mind, coupled with health & safety issues too, young people are now only allowed into the Centre if they are:

· Aged 18 or over

· Accompanied by a parent / guardian

· Attending an organised activity

· A Junior member (16 yrs+) attending the Social Club

Since this measure was introduced damage, theft and abuse have diminished. No exceptions to these rules can be made.

Over the past year volunteers have worked with young people, both in the Centre and in the wider community. RYCall (Riccall Youth Community for all) has been formed and a Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme has been established (the only open unit in North Yorkshire). Young people are encouraged to help design and manage the programme of activities and events. In addition, several hundred young people attend weekly group activities, organised by other community organisations.

There is no valid argument that young people are unable to afford to use the facilities independently. Staff and volunteers actively encourage peer groups to participate in activities; for example, for Ł1 each, four or ten young people can hold a game of badminton, or five-a-side football - and many do.

The Directors of the Centre have a duty to ensure that other Centre users feel able to attend their activities, without fear of intimidation. There is, also, a legal obligation to staff to allow them to perform their duties without intimidation, or harassment. Reported incidents are always logged by staff, recorded on CCTV and passed to the police. The police are currently taking legal action in respect of one incident with the full backing of the Centre.

The Centre relies on income generated through use of its services to help cover its core costs. The Centre does not receive any core funding from statutory bodies (i.e the District or County Councils).