Friday Night Youth Club, which meets at MyPlace community centre in Dagnam Park Drive, held its first session in four months on Friday (March 21).
Organisers Russell and Claire Mears said they are “thrilled” the club is up and running again after a temporary suspension by Havering Council, put in place in November 2024.
The council has now provided the club with an extra youth worker, which was something it previously said was needed before the club could reopen.
Friday Night Youth Club, in Harold Hill, welcomed 29 young people at its first meeting back (Image: Russell Mears)
Russell told the Recorder: “We were thrilled to welcome 29 young people from Harold Hill to our session on Friday night, offering a safe, supportive, and engaging space for them to reconnect.
“It was wonderful to see both familiar and new faces coming together, enjoying the environment we’ve worked so hard to create.
“A heartfelt thank you to Havering Council for providing the venue and youth worker, Essex Boys and Girls Clubs for their invaluable support with funding and activities, and our MP Julia Lopez for her steadfast commitment to us and Harold Hill’s young people.”
Hornchurch and Upminster MP Ms Lopez had been in talks with both Russell and the council about the future of Friday Night Youth Club.
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In a Facebook post, Ms Lopez said she was “really glad” the club could now reopen.
The post said: “I have been working with Russell over the past few years as a supporter of the club as it has made such a difference to the young people who attend.
“Many kids have been able to get incredible experiences they would not otherwise have had access to, like attending a residential adventure course in Wales.”
Russell and Claire already have several outings in the diary now the club is back, including a tour of Parliament – organised by Ms Lopez’s office – and white water rafting in Lea Valley.
Russell said: “We’re excited to keep growing and invite anyone aged 11 to 18 to join us every Friday at MyPlace—a place to connect, have fun, and be themselves.”
