In a significant victory for local youth services, the Ramsgate youth centre—home to the charity Pie Factory Music—has been saved from potential closure after a protracted campaign lasting over a year. This centre, the last of its kind in a region marked by economic deprivation, provides critical support for children and young adults aged 8 to 25, offering counselling, employment advice, and creative projects.
A Community Triumph
The Ramsgate youth centre faced imminent auction by Kent County Council, despite evidence suggesting its operations saved the local authority upwards of £500,000 annually through reduced costs associated with mental health, youth justice, and social care services. The charity Pie Factory Music has played an instrumental role in maintaining this facility, which has served as a vital social hub and resource for the community.
Following a dedicated campaign that commenced in September 2024, Pie Factory Music successfully acquired the freehold of the youth centre. This achievement was bolstered by a £535,000 grant from Labour’s Pride in Place strategy, designed to inject funds into underfunded communities across the UK.
Voices of Hope and Calls for Change
Zoë Carassik, chief executive of Pie Factory Music, expressed profound gratitude for the support received throughout the campaign. “Knowing our future in the building is secure fills us with hope and relief,” she stated. However, she emphasised the need for substantial government investment to safeguard youth services across the nation. Carassik remarked, “We should never have had to campaign to save Ramsgate youth centre – the last dedicated youth centre in the area – in the first place. This must not happen again.”
Her remarks echo the findings of a YMCA report indicating a staggering 73% decline in funding for youth services across England from 2010 to 2024, with Wales experiencing a 6% annual decrease over the same period. In response, Labour has pledged to invest £88 million into youth clubs and after-school programmes, highlighting a growing recognition of the need for sustained support.
The Broader Context of Youth Services
The urgency of this situation is underscored by research indicating that young people in coastal regions like Ramsgate are significantly more likely to suffer from undiagnosed mental health issues compared to their counterparts inland. A study conducted by University College London corroborated these findings, revealing a critical shortage of youth services in coastal towns, which exacerbates the challenges faced by local adolescents.
Brian Horton, interim chair of the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board, affirmed the board’s commitment to fostering safe and positive environments for the youth. “The board is making a clear statement: we are committed to providing safe, positive spaces for the next generations to thrive,” he asserted.
Why it Matters
The preservation of the Ramsgate youth centre is more than just a victory for Pie Factory Music; it represents a crucial lifeline for vulnerable young people in a region grappling with significant socio-economic challenges. As local charities continue to shoulder the burden of youth support, the call for statutory protections and increased funding becomes ever more pressing. The Ramsgate case serves as a poignant reminder of the need for long-term investment in youth services, ensuring that no community is left to fight alone for the future of its young generation.
