Families upset as youth club closes after 50 years

A youth club for children with special educational needs and learning disabilities (SEND) has closed after nearly 50 years due to council budget cuts.

Gateway Youth Club, at the Orangebox in Halifax, held its final session at the end of March.

Parents and carers have urged Calderdale Council to look for new funding to keep it going, or consider alternative provision that might be put in place.

A councillor said that other activities for the affected children were available, and that spending cuts had to fall on "discretionary" rather than statutory services.

Parent Jackie Jessett submitted a deputation to the children's services watchdog urging them to take up the case, questioning the council's commitment to inclusion after it removed the support for Gateway, which has run since 1977.

Jessett said: "Many of the children who go to Gateway are happier, more settled and more confident because they have a safe place where they can socialise, build friendships and feel accepted.

"Families have seen clear benefits, including young people feeling more willing to attend school because they have a social life and routine that supports their mental health."

She added that although there were other mainstream options available, clubs like Gateway provided a vital resource for disabled and vulnerable young children who need a more inclusive environment.

Cabinet member for children and young people's services, councillor Adam Wilkinson, said the decision was carefully considered despite Jessett's concerns the closure had been announced "with no meaningful consultation".

The club's closure came as a result of budget cuts across all council directorates over the last 15 years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Wilkinson said: "This is not a decision we would want to make.

"Unfortunately, we have to make decisions where we prioritise resources and make sure that we're doing it in the best interests of children wherever we can."

Council staff said the review of the club had taken place over the past five years and was based on what the service could reasonably deliver with the employees it had funding for.

Options had been carefully considered, Calderdale Children and Young People's Services Scrutiny Board members were told by officers.

Families attending Gateway have been directed to alternative groups.

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