Bolton Lads & Girls Club

Bolton Lads & Girls Club is a safe and inspiring space for young people to spend their spare time. Our mission is to provide opportunities for children and young people to be the best they can be through providing somewhere inspiring to go, positive things to do, and someone to talk to when they need it the most. Opening every day, and with at least 20 different sports and arts activities on offer at every session, every young person can find something to inspire them and at just 50p per visit, there is no financial barrier to anyone. Many of our 15,000 members, of which 4000 are active, are among some of the most disadvantaged in the UK: 89% live in the five most deprived wards in the borough, which also rank in the top 10% most deprived wards in the country. In addition to the universal youth club offer which is available to all, we work hard to offer a range of targeted support enabling those most vulnerable to have a level playing field with their peers and access critical support and services. These targeted additional services are:Supporting young people with a disability to enjoy everything the club has to offer and participate in activities alongside - not apart from - their able bodied peers. Recognising those young people who will struggle to find employment as a result of generations of worklessness, by working with the local private sector (many of whom are club patrons) to improve skills, experience and aspiration.Providing the most vulnerable young people with a reliable, positive adult role model to mentor a young person who is experiencing difficulties at home or school, many of whom are in the care system.Emotional, mental and sexual health services through advice, education and signposting, helping young people make better life choices and chose safer behaviour.Aid the integration of young refugees who find themselves in Bolton after fleeing war torn countries both into the club and wider Bolton community.