The Pod Youth Club has relaunched and expanded its services after moving into a newly renovated youth centre in Frome.
After 12 years of running a bespoke youth club for children with additional needs, The Pod Charity – which supports young people and adults with additional needs – has relaunched its youth club service in the Vallis Youth Centre on Vallis Road.
The youth club is aimed at 8- to 17-year-olds and runs on Tuesday evenings during school term times and has had a significant waiting list for places.
However, with the new premises now open, the charity says there is no longer a waiting list to join the youth groups which run from 5.15pm to 6.45pm and a second group runs from 7pm to 8.30pm.
“Both groups are busy, but there will be capacity for new starters in the coming weeks and months, and new enquiries are always welcome,” explained founder and charity manager Sue Paxton.
“Since we opened Pod Youth Club in 2013, it’s been wonderful to work with so many amazing children over the years. But it has been equally tough and frustrating seeing so many families on our waiting list and knowing they’ve had to wait so long for a place.
“It has taken a lot of hard work, hope and determination to get this far and we know the work isn’t over yet. I speak for the whole team when I say we’re truly proud. Opening our second club means so much to us, because it means we can welcome even more young people and families into the Pod community.”
The youth club is well respected in the town, with referrals coming from parents, but also professionals in health and social care.
The experienced staff and volunteer team provide support in a 1:3 ratio. All club activities are planned with the young people to ensure everyone’s needs are met. If the young person is nearer 17 years old, the Pod Plus group may be more suitable; please contact the charity to enquire.
The Pod also runs SEED, a stay-and-play social group aimed at children aged eight plus with additional needs, parents/carers and siblings to attend together. You can find this fortnightly on Wednesdays from 3.30pm to 5.30pm at Wesley Church Hall.
To find out more or request a place in the youth groups, contact admin@thepodcharity.org.uk and let them know if your child needs to attend with a personal assistant when you get in touch.
For more information about The Pod’s projects, activities, or how to support the charity’s work, go to www.thepodcharity.org.uk
