The last remaining youth center in one of England’s most deprived coastal areas which called it home for 13 years has been saved from being sold after a long campaign by a charity.
In November The Guardian revealed How the center in Ramsgate, on the Kent coast, is coping with Kent County Council bidding, though An independent report Including services for mental health, youth justice and social care, the center is estimated to save the council more than £500,000 a year in costs.
Pi Factory Musica charity based in a youth centre, has for many years provided a social space for eight to 25-year-olds, but also offers services including counselling, employment advice, life-skills sessions, support for young refugees and creative and musical projects.
Following a campaign that began in September 2024, Pi Music Factory was able to purchase the Ramsgate Youth Center freehold. This is partly thanks to a grant of £535,000 from Labour’s Pride in Place strategywhich aims to invest significantly in underprivileged communities across the country.
“It fills us with hope and relief to know that our future in the building is secure,” said Pi’s chief executive, Zoë Carassik. “We are very grateful to the Pride in Place program and everyone who helped us.”
However, she said the national youth strategy of the government is important It was announced late last yearit must come with real investment and not “just words” to stop it happening elsewhere.
“We never had to campaign to save Ramsgate Youth Center – the last dedicated youth center in the area – in the first place,” she said. “This should not happen again.
“Youth provision should not depend solely on voluntary organizations like ours. That’s why we are calling on local MPs and the Minister for Communities to go further in strengthening statutory protections for youth services and review councils’ statutory duty to provide youth services,” she said.
A report Released last year by the YMCA It revealed a 73% decline in funding for youth services in England between 2010 and 2024 and a 6% annual decline in Wales. Labor announced in August Invest £88m in youth clubs and after-school activities.
Visited Ramsgate as part of The Guardian Against the Tide serieswhich explores the reality behind research showing that young people in disadvantaged coastal areas live three times longer. Undiagnosed mental health condition than their counterparts in equivalent locations inland. More University College London Report A lack of youth services and spaces has been identified as a significant problem in coastal towns.
Brian Horton, acting chair of Ramsgate Neighborhood Board, who signed off on the grant, said: “The board is making a clear statement: we are committed to providing safe, positive places for the next generations to thrive.”
