Friday Fun at Fords Farm

Young residents at Fords Farm, a Sanctuary Shaftesbury estate in Reading, Berkshire, have been full of that Friday feeling ever since a local youth club was set up where they live.

The Holybrook Youth Club is open every Friday evening and has been made possible thanks to funding from Sanctuary Shaftesbury, a member of leading UK housing provider Sanctuary Group, and support from Sovereign Housing and West Berkshire Council.

Fords Farm used to be a target for antisocial behaviour and lacked meaningful youth activities, so a group of residents from the area decided to set up a youth club.

Residents, with organisational help from Sanctuary staff, have been staging a variety of different activities at the club including baking, balloon shaping and fun karaoke sessions and these have proved popular attractions for youngsters.

The club has also helped residents forge new friendships, not only among the children, but also the parents, who are meeting with each other more regularly while dropping off and picking up their children from the centre.

Local resident Karen Albanese, who also acts as the Youth Club’s voluntary co-ordinator said: “The generous grant from Sanctuary is enabling this successful group to develop and continue to provide a valuable service to the local community.”

Young resident and youth club member, 11 year old Ellie said: “The Youth Club is brilliant! It’s really fun, there are loads of things to do and friends to make.”

Richard Keeley, Sanctuary Shaftesbury’s regional director, added: “The youth club has provided a safe meeting place for young residents and an important facility that benefits the wider community. Sanctuary is proud to be able to support such a great cause.”