New Chichester Drop-In for Young People Opens

Chichester City Centre Drop In The Bell Tower Chichester Cathedral West Street Chichester PO19 1PX

www.belltowerchi.uk

Telephone: 01243 531898

New Chichester drop-in for young people opens

A new local partnership will help fill the void left by the statutory sector cuts to generic youth provision and centres. Churches in the City of Chichester and the University of Chichester have come together to address the need, evidenced by a huge survey undertaken in 2013.

The result is a new daily drop-in centre – the Bell Tower Drop-In – for young people, based in the 15th century Bell Tower on West Street. Staffed by a team of trained and checked volunteers from the churches and University students, the drop-in is free-of-charge and opens its doors after school every day (2.30-6pm). It provides a safe and fun place for young people (aged 11-16) to come, where they can get on with homework on the Bell Tower’s own computers or simply hang out with their friends, somewhere safe, warm and dry.

“The results of the 2013 survey took us all by surprise,” said Dan Slatter, the Pastor of Revelation Church and a trustee of Bell Tower Drop-In. “It showed a large number of young people who return to an empty home after school. There is often no-one to chat to or help with homework. Along with the University, we felt it was something we could help with, providing young people somewhere to go after school that’s friendly and fun. The Churches in the City are committed together to getting our hands dirty and putting flesh on the bones of our faith.” Ruth Poyner, Cathedral Spokeswoman, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer the Bell Tower for this very worthwhile project. The Drop-In Centre has the dual benefit of being a supportive and enjoyable environment for young people and also very reassuring for busy parents who might be working longer hours than ever. It is a great pleasure to see that young people are already finding it really valuable.”

Dave Corcoran, Head of Student Support and Wellbeing at the University of Chichester and a Bell Tower Drop-In trustee said “I am overjoyed by the positive impact being made to the lives of young people in our community as a result of the coming together of all those delivering and supporting the service. This is truly partnership at its best.”

Contributions in kind has been provided by local businesses

Covers (www.covers.biz)

City Ceramics (www.cityceramics.uk.com)

Brewers (www.brewers.co.uk)

Carpet 1st (www.carpet1stflooring.co.uk)

Chilli Blue (www.chilliblue.me)

Super Signs (www.supersignsltd.co.uk)

Currys (www.currys.co.uk)

Game (www.game.co.uk)

Initial funding has been provided by the Sussex Community Foundation, St John’s Trust, the F G Woodger Trust, West Sussex County Council and churches and individuals in Chichester.

The official launch event will take place at 14.00 on Thursday 12 February 2015 at The Bell Tower in Chichester. More information about the Bell Tower Drop-In is available here www.belltowerchi.uk

Ends….

Notes for editors

PHOTOS AND INTERVIEWS: 13.30pm on 12th February at The Bell Tower in Chichester.

For more information, call Dan Slatter on 07989 421811 or 01243 531898 or email [email protected]

Chichester City Centre Drop-In is a registered charity no. 1154818 (a charitable incorporated organisation)