'Sense of hope' as youth charity buys its home

19 hours ago

Dominic King,in Ramsgateand

Tanya Gupta,South East

News image — Zoë Carassik said Ramsgate Youth Centre had hope and security after "such a long time"

BBC CEO of Pie Factory Music, Zoë Carassik, wearing a grey hoodie and stood against the backdrop of the Pie Music Factory charity headquarters in Ramsgate. 'Pride' is painted in pink and purple on the wall and Zoe is stood in front of a black and white striped sofa. — Zoë Carassik said Ramsgate Youth Centre had hope and security after "such a long time"

A youth centre that is a "second home" for young people in Ramsgate, Kent, has a sense of hope after it was saved from closure, the woman who runs it has said.

Funds of £535,000 from the town's neighbourhood board has allowed Pie Factory Music to buy Ramsgate Youth Centre after the building had to be sold.

The funding is part of £20m government cash shared out under its Pride in Place scheme.

Pie Factory Music chief executive, Zoë Carassik, said contracts would soon be exchanged and the scheme had allowed it to take ownership of their "much-loved" home.

Communities Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the centre was "one of the success stories" of the Pride in Place scheme.

'Finding a voice'

The purpose-built youth centre was constructed in 1969.

"There's a familiarity. It has always been a space for young people," Carassik said.

The centre, which has a recording studio, rehearsal room, meeting spaces, counselling facilities, a kitchen and football court helps young people by providing one-to-one support and counselling.

Music and arts projects allow them to express themselves and find their voice, she added.

An NHS-funded project also helps refugees and asylum seekers, who get to speak their own language and eat food from their home countries.

"It might be the first place they feel welcome and kindness," Carassik said.

An external image of the Pie Factory at Ramsgate Youth Centre. The building has two signs stating 'Pie' - one larger on the roof and one to the right of the front door. The gate entrance features a number of paintings. — The centre has a recording studio and runs creative music and art projects

Fahnbulleh said it showed what was possible when the community was able to decide where to invest.

"It is a vital asset providing great services for young people at risk of closure and the community was able to put money towards it to keep it open," she said.

In December, the government launched a national youth strategy with plans to spend £500m on youth services.

The minister said: "My one big plea to anyone that's listening is get involved.

"We want it to be everyone, whether you're a mum, whether you're a schoolteacher, whether you're a policeman."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.