A SHORTAGE of trained youth workers has delayed the re-opening of Wellington Youth Centre, putting the centre’s future at risk.

The centre, which has been closed for over a year because of the Covid pandemic, was hoping to re-open next month.

County councillor for Wellington and Rockwell Green Andrew Govier, who chairs the volunteer management committee which runs the centre, said: “We had hoped to get the centre open in September to coincide with young people returning to school, but this hasn’t been possible.

“We had appointed a new provider to run the centre, when it re-opened after Covid, but despite their strenuous efforts to recruit trained staff they haven’t been able to find anyone.

“I believe there is a real shortage of trained youth workers across the country and this problem has been exacerbated by the recent pandemic. We simply can’t open the centre without properly trained and qualified staff.”

The centre in Mantle Street has been serving the needs of young people for over 50 years. In recent years it has been run by a group of volunteers, following the removal of funding by Somerset County Council. The centre itself has been transformed into a well-used community facility, housing a very successful pre-school and other community activities.

Wellington Town Council has generously supported youth work at the centre for the last few years and the council has budgeted to continue this support going forward.

Cllr Govier added: “The centre itself is being used as much now as it ever was. We have been delighted to work with Court Fields School over the last few months to provide space for them to do specialist work with small groups and individuals. We are keen for the centre to become a real asset for the community but we are determined to continue to provide youth services there.”

Concerns have grown about the effects of the pandemic on young people’s emotional and mental health, and services like the youth service are seen as key to dealing with these problems.

Cllr Govier added: “We need to urgently review our options and look at alternative providers. We passionately believe in the importance of supporting young people in those - sometimes challenging - teenage years.

“We want the centre to continue to play a key role in doing this and if anyone out there knows of youth workers who could play a role in getting the centre open again, we would love to hear from them.”