Children say reopened youth centre '10 out of 10'

A purpose-built youth centre that shut after its funding was cut and has since reopened has been described as "10 out of 10" by children who use it.

Turlin Moor in Poole, Dorset, is open to those in school years four to six on Tuesday evenings and seven to 10 on Wednesdays.

It has been taken over by the specialist SEND college South West Regional Assessment Centre (SWRAC).

Youth worker Sue Swaine said: "Youth clubs are vital to our communities and our young people, and I would love to see more opening across Dorset."

While sat at a table making arts and crafts, friends Eliza, Charlotte and Avaya scored the reopened youth club "10 out of 10".

"I really like it, like a lot, because I can hang out with my friends, play with them and stay inside," said Eliza.

Charlotte said she had been coming to youth club since September, and "sometimes it is six out of 10 because of the drama" but added: "I get to hang out with my friends and also stay out of my house."

Avaya explained what arts and crafts the group get up to: "Rock painting, we also make bookmarks and candles.

"Everything about youth club makes it 10 out of 10, like the activities, the food and spending time with my friends."

The building is rented from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

It first shut in Autumn 2023 and SWRAC started negotiating to take the building over in 2024, with it reopening in September that year.

It offers a pool table, gaming equipment, a large indoor sports court, pool table, tuck shop, and activities like arts and crafts.

Sue Swaine and Donnie Burgess run the Turlin Moor youth centre and have done since it reopened in 2024.

"Turlin Moor, the reputation sort of goes before it," said Sue.

"The kids get a bad reputation a lot of the time and that's not the case, they're good kids.

"They just need somewhere to go and someone to spend time with them and to give them a place to feel safe, to do activities and meet up with their friends."

Donnie said some of the children only got social time when they were at the youth centre.

"Some of the kids will tell us if they're not here or at school they are sat on their phones the entire evening," he said.

"I think having a place where kids can come and socialise is more important than ever."