​Barnstaple Youth House

​Newsletter
February 2025

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As we slowly emerge from winter, things have been looking up for Barnstaple Youth House. The place is busier than it has been for many years. Our youth Club, ‘It’s4U’ restarted after the pandemic and attracts teenagers who have additional needs or special educational needs. Covid had an impact on all of us, especially on some young people who have found themselves stranded in their own company, lacking confidence to get wider experience. Our team of skilled volunteers create a welcoming environment and activities, which have proved very effective. If we can recruit more volunteers, the programme could expand further. (All volunteers are carefully vetted and police checked.)
The much-respected Barnstaple Town Youth Marching Band continues to be based at BYH. Young people learn up to thirty stirring musical pieces and are engaged in many public performances. It can be a life-changing experience for young people who may lack confidence.
BYH hosts a number of council and voluntary services, which more widely cater for young people with additional needs. For some years, we have been the meeting and activity venue for North Devon Student Excursions language school. A series of large groups of teenagers arrived in Barnstaple from European countries, hosted by local families. The organisers needed an affordable central venue and BYH fitted the bill. We have them returning for the current year, starting soon. Being close to the bus station and town amenities, we are well-placed for travel from outlying villages.
The trustees have been working hard to improve the energy efficiency of our large old building. A new control system for the heating means it can all be adjusted remotely. Extra insulation has reduced costs and shortened warm up times. Replacement lighting of LED units has reduced running costs. The ground floor toilet has been completely refurbished and the kitchen units have been upgraded.
Our new website projects a fresh and modern look, with access now to a calendar of bookings and easy access to make or change bookings.
The trustees are looking at developing space at the back of the House. The overgrown yard could become a peaceful space which can enable barbecues, discussion, gardening and perhaps outdoor performances. As we prepare a planning application, we have been fortunate to recruit more trustees and supporters with specific technical skills and qualifications. The timetable maybe in years rather than months but we have made a very good start.
Our current immediate challenges include engaging affordable cleaning, to cope with the increasing usage of the premises. Trustees with careers in caring services are currently reviewing and updating our guidance policies, with help from the Devon wide Space Youth Services. We work closely with our neighbours to address local problems and give mutual support.
If you would like to become involved in some way in this vibrant youth project, do get in touch.

Pete Thorn
Chair