‘Truly grateful’ organisers at Wellingborough youth club mark 10th anniversary by crediting volunteers, members and local leaders

Up2U is a fortnightly youth club set up by Fiona Lok and Adelle Toseland, who founded the club a decade ago with the then-reverend, Mandy Cuthbertson.

The aim was to bring young people in the area together in a space where they could learn and have fun in a place that is safe and welcoming.

At the anniversary celebration earlier this month, they said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our honoured guests and dignitaries.

"We are truly grateful for the presence of our local councillors, community leaders and distinguished guests who have taken time out of their busy schedules to celebrate with us.

"Your support for young people in our community means a great deal and your presence here shows how important youth work is to the future of our area.

"To the parents and families, thank you for trusting us with your younger people and supporting everything we do.

"Over the past ten years we have seen friendships formed, confidence built, skills learned and memories made.

"This is not only about looking back with pride, but also about looking forward with excitement to the next ten years.”

What started as 25 young people coming together fortnightly quickly became upwards of 120 registered with the club across multiple age groups.

Local leaders and members of the youth club – past and present – marked the 10-year milestone with cake, craft and games at their recent celebration event.

The club is supported by volunteers who give their time to offer a range of activities to local children aged eight and above.

Youth leader Joseph, who was part of the youth club in his younger years, said ‘just seeing the smiles means a lot’.

He added: “It’s nice to see them in a much safer space. It’s controlled, but they get to let off a lot of steam.”

Youth mission enabler at the Peterborough Diocese Chad Chadwick, who attended the celebration at the Queensway church, said: “I wish all 376 churches did this. People do not just need months of support, they need years."

The club meets fortnightly on Friday evenings and offers mentoring, skills development and trips out to the likes of Adventure Ways in Northampton last summer and Box End Park in Bedford in summer 2024.

The anniversary celebrations were an opportunity for local leaders to see first-hand the positive impact that Up2U has had on its members.

Cllr Kelly Duddridge, North Northants councillor and town councillor for the Queensway ward, said: “I’m gutted we don’t have more of these.

“There’s not enough of this for young children, it would be nice to see more of it in Wellingborough.”