New youth club for Coventry

A BRAND new youth club was set to open in Tile Hill.

The club is called ESCAPE, an initiative to help keep youngsters off the streets, and was set to launch yesterday in the heart of Tile Hill.

The space aims to provide a place for youths in the area to engage in activities with each other, as well as seek mentorship and guidance. The centre will be packed with facilities including pool tables, arcades, table tennis and team sports to cultivate a sense of team spirit.

Entry is free and there are also snacks provided for all those who join. This is the third community partnership ESCAPE has launched in Coventry.

The two other branches are located in Canley and Wood End. ESCAPE is a partnership between West Midlands Police, local youth worker John Bernard and another worker, Anton Noble.

Both John and Anton work extensively in more deprived areas of the city as part of their respective organisations BACE and GYM in a bid to engage young people and offer encouragement and inspiration. Anton, who also works at the Canley and Wood End branches, said: “It’s great because the location is the same as an old youth club which shut down a long time ago.

“So we’re redeeming it back and bringing youth together, lowering anti social behaviour, gang affliction, education and allowing youths to socialise. It’s a pleasure GYM service has given us the opportunity to to have three youth clubs in Coventry in three high risk areas.

“We’re hoping to get five youth clubs running in Coventry for 5 days a week, Monday to Friday across different locations.”

Speaking about the work he does, Anton added: “When I was younger, youth clubs were part of my growth and very positive moments in my life.

“I still remember my mentors who used to help me when I was younger and they were a key figure of my life. It’s about activities and bringing kids together, socialising and educating them on how to speak to people, adults and get a head start in life.

“Youth clubs are very important in the the community.

“It lowers anti-social behaviour and gang violence, and the only way to make a community safer is to learn we are all in the same situation and to empower the community.”