More youth services needed to 'support all kids'

18-year-old Cedric Kwarteng has been attending the youth club at Springs Family Centre in Northampton for about three years

There are calls by providers and young people, backed by councillors, for more youth services, like youth clubs and youth workers, in West Northamptonshire.

West Northamptonshire Council recently committed to exploring new opportunities for improving youth support and activities.

Springs Family Centre in Northampton provides 16 youth sessions a week over six days.

Dimz Malatji, Development Manager at the centre, said: "There's definitely a need for a better youth system in Northampton to support all the kids."

Dimz Malatji, Development Manager at Springs Family Centre in Northampton says they can't reach every single young person so more services are needed

"We have people from all sorts of backgrounds, the majority of the kids are in overcrowded housing, they have two to four siblings, plus two parents in a two-bedroom house," Mr Malatji said. "There is no room to play or even for them to do their homework or just to breathe.

"So having this space within their community is helpful to get away from that crowded environment."

Springs Family Centre has seen a 37% increase in attendance in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 2024.

Young people between eight and 25 years old can attend the centre, but most (70%) are aged between 11 and 18.

Cedric Kwarteng uses the music studio in the basement of Springs Family Centre to create his own music

Teenager Cedric Kwarteng said coming to the youth club has "had a positive impact" on him.

"I get to meet new people from different backgrounds and understand where they've come from, and it just builds me as a person," the 18-year-old said.

A cross-party group of West Northamptonshire Council members recently visited the WEST London Youth Zone in Shepherd's Bush to see what facilities are provided for young people.

Mark Arnull, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: "It was inspiring to learn from such a positive initiative and how we can take away key points to consider our opportunities for our young people locally here in West Northants.

"Every area is so different, and we definitely need to scope out the art of the possible within our local area, however it is encouraging to see this cross-party support and to experience such a positive scheme."