About Us
Our Aims
At The Hut, we want every young person to feel welcome, safe, and valued.
We aim to:
- Give young people a space to be themselves, make friends, and have fun.
- Offer activities and trips that build skills, confidence, and creativity.
- Provide a friendly ear and support for anyone who needs it.
- Be a positive part of the Bere Alston community, working with families, schools, and local organisations.
Our History
For the past 26 years, Youth 2 Youth has provided a safe and welcoming space for young people in Bere Alston. Founded in 1999 by Rev. Nick Law, the club first ran from a small portable cabin beside the parish hall. Although the building was cold, damp, and cramped, it quickly became a valued place for young people to meet and feel supported.
In 2010, new funding allowed the club to appoint a youth worker, strengthening the support we could offer. By 2015, after years of community fundraising, grant support, and the generosity of local tradespeople, the portable cabin was replaced with a purpose-built youth centre designed with input from the young people themselves. This gave us a much-improved, dedicated base with proper facilities at the heart of the village which we call The Hut.
Today, we run two weekly sessions offering activities such as arts and crafts, sports, cooking, team challenges, and workshops on life skills and mental health. Around 20–25 young people regularly attend, with numbers expected to grow as we continue to improve our facilities. Our sessions support social development, build confidence, and promote well-being, helping young people feel valued and included.
A small but dedicated team of staff and volunteers run the club, making it friendly, accessible, and inclusive. In 2025, a National Lottery grant was secured to cover youth worker wages for two years, ensuring we can continue this vital work. Looking ahead, plans for a refurbishment and further projects will create even more opportunities for young people to learn new skills and enjoy positive experiences together.
Testimonials
"Playing pool at The Hut has helped me build friendships I wouldn't normally have" - Chris, 16
"Melissa and Ellie are nice and they can help me with my homework or I can talk to them about stuff" - Lily, 11
"If you like food, games and nice people then I would recommend you come to The Hut" - Ruby, 11
"I trust the staff at The Hut with my life" - Will, 14
"The youth workers have helped me a lot through my last year of school when I was stressed about my exams" - Morgan, 16