The amazing activites that take place at the Bungalow Youth project, for 11 to 19-year-olds, in Buckfastleigh were showcased on Saturday.

It was a great opportunity for many of the young people of the town, their parents and local residents to view the variety and diverse opportunities that are available to the young people.

It isn’t simply a youth club as many of us can remember; it is a space where the young people decide the things that interest them and they take ownership of them.

To this end there is a youth survey which is closing on Sunday, September 19, giving the young people another avenue to express their thoughts about everything that interests them?

Saturday was seen to be a chance to re-boot the Bungalow and reach anyone who was unaware of the facility.

The project is a trust with local trustees and the chair is Karina Clegg.

The newly appointed charity director is Fanny Jackson who was the previous trust chair for many years and is remaining as a trustee.

The weekly program is currently:

? Monday – 6.30pm to 9pm for the 12 + age groups where two professional girls Gemma and Chelsea run a health and beauty salon.

? Tuesday – 6pm to 9pm for 11 to 19-year-olds

? Wednesdays – The youth counsellor, Meghan, makes herself available for the young people to chat to her in total privacy and confidence about a variety of issues that could include difficult relationships with family and friends or a partner, depression, challenges with sexual identity, drinking or taking more drugs or drink than they might wish, anxiety, difficult feelings about food, low self-esteem or self-harming and different ways to release stress.

? Thursdays – for the younger people 11 to 13-year-olds, where the environment is totally safe. They are not allowed to leave unattended.

? Fridays – for the 14+ age group where they enjoy among other activities,-cooking, art, and craft work.

I met Ollie Chiplin, who along with a colleague, Finn Scott are completing apprenticeships as youth workers.

It is a government scheme lasting two years, although Ollie, who I found a very outgoing character full of enthusiasm, is fast tracking as he plans to go to university in autumn 2022.

The course fees are paid by the government and the trust pays a salary of £6,000 for 30 hours.

They would love to expand it to 40 hours but all this has to be paid for by raising the funds. This is one of Fanny Jackson’s main objectives.

The Bungalow provides a space for them to develop .outside home and school and Fanny tells me they are proud of it and take great care of it.

To find out more contact 07543670098 or email [email protected].