Sk8side, a unique youth centre located in the heart of Ashford, will be shutting down operations this Saturday. This will be end of over 23 years of loyal service to the community. The move coincides with the centre’s ongoing existential funding crisis. The centre needs £90,000 a year to stay open. Consequently, Sk8side will end its outreach, positive alternatives to criminal activity, and provide support to the 8—19 year old local youth in need.
Located geographically between the Stour Leisure Centre and Ashford skatepark, Sk8side provides an alternative hub for young people. It provides free after-school and holiday clubs, as well as fun activities including art, music, skateboarding and scootering. The house is home to an important supper club, providing free, hot meals every day at 5 PM. This club has truly become the lynchpin and lifeline for so many young people in the area.
Deirdre O’Neill has been at the helm of Sk8side since its incorporation as a Community Interest Company in 2018. Ms Harris described the move to closing down as “deeply disappointing” after terminating its contract with Kent County Council. O’Neill stressed that the centre has been a vital resource in providing one-on-one mentoring and counselling services.
In March, Sk8side cut its operations from five days a week to three. This modification was intended to assist the agency in weathering the permanent funding storm. Even after all these steps, the centre was unable to find the financial support it needed to stay open.
Liz Wright, cabinet member for communities, health and wellbeing at Ashford Borough Council, acknowledged the importance of Sk8side’s role in the community. She stated that the council could only commit £10,000 towards the required funding:
“I’m afraid we can’t pay the full amount in the current financial climate. Ashford Borough Council doesn’t have that kind of funding for youth projects which are not statutory.” – Liz Wright
Wright spoke about the consequences that shutting down Sk8side would have on the kids. She explained that the centre has always done outreach work on summer holidays seasons. Young people deserve a neutral, safe, supportive space to come together. Without it, they tend to cluster in public spaces, making them often feel intimidating to other members of the community.
“The youth centre has previously done lots of outreach work during the summer holidays and when there is nothing for them to do young people will hang about in groups in the town centre,” – Liz Wright.
O’Neill beamed as she spoke to the dedication that brought her to volunteer for the past year. She understood that a new director wouldn’t come cheap.
“I’ve been working as a volunteer for the past year but a new director will want paying,” – Deirdre O’Neill.
The closure of Ashford’s Sk8side is, sadly, yet another loss to the spaces and places that serve our youth community. Thousands of young people depended on its unique set of services for positive outlets, supports and opportunities for engagement. Sk8side is preparing to hang up its sk8s for good. Local leaders and residents are looking back on the remarkable positive difference this youth center has created during its 20 years of operations.
