Registered charity number: 1178605 Company number: 10226260
Site last updated: 15 May 2024
Darlaston Boys Club was set up in 1968 to address the needs of young men in the area. After some years the centre fell into disrepair and was vandalised and became an unsafe place for young people. The area had a bad reputation and young women would not access the centre due to its negative image and profile. Parents would not allow their daughters to attend the centre because of a range of issues including the misbehaviour of young and adult males, grooming and the sexual exploitation of young women.
In January 2005 – March 2016, a partnership was fostered between Walsall Council Youth Service and the Darlaston Boys Club to provide a safe and quality youth provision for children and young people in the local and surrounding area.
In January 2005, Raqia Akhtar was employed and has since transformed the centre with the active involvement of young people from a semi derelict building into a thriving youth centre with over 200 registered members and secured over 200,000 funding for building improvements, resources and projects. The centre was re-named by young people to Darlaston Youth Centre to reflect that children, young people and families are able to access the centre.
Raqia Akhtar had a vision which was to introduce the active participation and involvement of young people in the design, delivery, implementation and evaluation of all project activities, centre development and business which lead to positive outcomes for young people.
From June 2016, Darlaston Youth Centre became a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity which meets the needs of children, young people and families in the local community.
Mission Statement:
Darlaston Youth Centre is fundamentally committed to youth engagement and the principles of equal opportunities, equity, diversity, empowerment and youth and community participation. We are committed to youth participation and working with young people in a holistic way empowering them to make informed choices. We raise young people’s aspirations, motivation and self-belief enabling them to develop skills and enhance their life chances. We specialise in delivering innovative, challenging and unique projects exploring sensitive and taboo subjects which are life-changing and make a real difference to the lives of young people and the community. The centre addresses racial tensions that exist in the community with young people and break down barriers, facilitate dialogue to promote community cohesion. We inform the practice of professionals and decision-makers and challenge historical and deep rooted attitudes and mind sets and oppressive practices. We are a specialist hub around community cohesion for young people, the community as well as practitioners and decision-makers.