ROUTES, a youth drop-in centre on Frome’s Palmer Street, is campaigning to raise tens of thousands of pounds to avoid closure. One visitor, Tommy Smith, says ‘there isn’t anywhere else like it’.
Tommy tells Frome Times, “I visited Routes for the first time after being handed a flyer and thought I’d come and see what it was like. I found the staff really listened to me, helped me when I was struggling with bullying and how I was feeling and gave me a safe social space for me to spend time.
“I had some difficult times and Routes always helped. Routes has made it possible for me to make new friends, learn how to assert myself and to approach hard times with a more positive approach.
“They help loads of people with lots of different things and it would really make me worry if they close as to what I’d end up doing and where I’d go, as there isn’t anywhere else like it.”
Routes is still in need of thousands of pounds to stay open. To support the centre’s appeal contact sstobbart@mendipymca.org.uk or donations can be made by text to MEND41 £AMOUNT to 70070. You can also donate online at https://mydonate.bt.com/events/saveroutes.
