WITH youth centres in North Somerset struggling to maintain services after funding cuts in 2012, one facility continues to go from strength to strength.

A year after North Somerset Council withdrew funding for general youth work in the area, Portishead Youth Centre has announced plans to organise more activities in the town.

Centre manager, Alan Rowe, said: “A lot of people have worked tirelessly to ensure that Portishead Youth Centre is able to continue not only to provide a safe, supervised environment for young people in the town but also maintain the employment of qualified youth workers to work with our young people.

“We are now in a position to employ a full-time youth development worker, whose job will include organising new youth activities during school holidays and weekends, supporting existing youth clubs and working with other local agencies in order to best meet the needs of young people in Portishead.”

The Harbour Road facility, which hosts a youth club three nights a week for those in school years seven and above, has recently seen the introduction of Saturday sports activities for children aged eight and over, a junior youth club on Tuesdays after school and a number of holiday play schemes. Even more activities are being planned and will be developed when the new staff member is appointed.

In 2012, Portishead Youth Centre offered a business and administration apprenticeship to one young person and is supporting them in their studies and work experience.

Alan added: “The apprenticeship post, along with others at the centre, reflects our commitment to supporting local people with opportunities for employment.”

Anyone interested in applying for the Youth Development Worker post can call Alan on 01275 842461 to request an application form and more details.