AFTER being without one for the last seven years, Rhayader youngsters will once again have a youth club to call their own this week.

Rhayader county councillor Angela Davies announced last week that the Rhayader Youth Group will be hosting a launch evening on Wednesday evening, September 20, at the old school in Cwmdauddwr.

The group will be volunteer run and is the culmination of years of hard work from a team of dedicated local volunteers who had a dream to give young people in Rhayader a hub and somewhere to call home. This week, that dream will become a reality.

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Rhayader Youth Group is a project that will be fuelled by a committed team of 6 volunteers, including Keith Fielding who will be the group’s chair.

Nichola Lowe is the treasurer, Lee Price, the former mayor, is secretary, Jaqueline Davies is involved in policy and safeguarding, Neil Rees will be a youth worker and Cllr Davies will offer support and generally liaise with the group.

Keith, who is heavily involved with the 1st Rhayader Scout Group and was instrumental in the reformation of that organisation in 2019, said he was grateful for the “overwhelming support” the project has received.

“Our mission is straightforward: we aim to provide a secure space for the youth in our community, aged 11-18, where they can come together, access resources, make new friends and, most importantly, have fun,” he said.

“We're redefining the traditional concept of a youth club and we want our young members to shape this journey with their input. We're committed to doing our best to meet their needs and preferences.

“Our dedicated team has poured their hearts into making this dream a reality and, without their unwavering dedication and skills, Rhayader Youth Group wouldn't exist. I'm immensely grateful to each and every one of them.”

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Keith added: “As part of our plan, we'll be offering a free snack at each session, starting with hotdogs, but we're eager to hear our members' preferences and expand our snack options as we go along.

“To support our initiatives, we'll require all youth members to fill out a membership form with parental consent, and the annual membership fee is just £1, with each fortnightly session costing only £1 to help cover costs.”

The town has not had a youth club since the last one folded in 2016. The youth club’s doors are set to open fortnightly at the school to begin with and will be a chance for young people locally to meet, chat and relax.

Campaigning has also been carried out by Tyler Chambers, a local teenager and sixth form student who launched a petition last October and knocked on doors to gauge public opinion.

“Youth clubs are the fabric of many communities and this was the case in Rhayader until 2016,” said Tyler.

“Youth clubs are crucial to the development of young people. They offer social connection, character development, life skills and participation in their community.

“It forges friendships by fostering a sense of community among young people.

“Throughout this campaign, it became clear a youth club is not only something Rhayader wanted but something Rhayader needed.”

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He added: “The work of the incredible volunteers has to be recognised.

“None of this could have been made possible if it were not for the sense of community Rhayader holds.”

There will also be a tuck shop on site for those wanting to buy drinks, crisps and chocolate.

If anyone locally is interested in volunteering their time, come meet the team on September 20 from 6-8pm.