Up and Running

Bentley Youth Club opened its second venue in February with a membership list of two. It now stands at 14 with a waiting list. The club is aimed at 12 to 19 year olds with special needs who, like all teenagers, want to relax and socialise amongst people with common interests.

Unlike the sports orientated Wednesday group in Surrey Heath the Monday evening group is arts and crafts based. Yvonne King, youth Group Co-ordinator says it is aimed at "children who can't cope with the noise and hustle and bustle of activity on the Wednesday nights. We also have one to one help if it is needed."

Quick Cricket and frisbee games are the most active activities at the club venue the Royal British Legion hall in Broadway, Knaphill. Storage space is at a premium with just enough room for a fold-away snooker table! The main activities are quiet arts and crafts with a stage available for those keen on dancing and entertaining.

Yvonne explained that the biggest problem at present is the number of girls in the club. "It's all boys - probably because there are generally more boys with problems than girls. The boys, it almost goes without saying, would like an influx of female members!"

Mark runs the club and Yvonne describes him as "doing a brilliant job. If someone doesn't come for three weeks he'll phone up to find out why. The young people love him - he's like a big brother but they listen when he yells, too."

Duke of Edinburgh students, usually 14 year olds help out periodically and seem to find it hard to leave at the end of their experience they offer the group normal role models," Yvonne explained, "and usually come through referrals from friends. We've had some wonderful helpers.

The Children With Special Needs Foundation has funded several outings for the children and some of the much needed running costs.

"We can't run this like a normal youth club with only one leader and not worry if other helpers don't turn up - our regular staff are a necessity and because these children need stability it is important to maintain consistency. Our staff to child ratio enables us to focus more on the persona and less on the activities. The support of the charity is vital and very much appreciated.