Help Save Shoreham’s Youth Centre

A guest article by Cat Vizor, Chief Officer of ESTEEM on the background to the Shoreham Society talk on 18 October 2024.

I’ve got some exciting news to share with you today! On Friday, 18th October 2024, at the Shoreham Society meeting, we’re going to be talking about something very close to my heart—and, I hope, yours too. It’s all about saving one of Shoreham’s last heritage gems, The Old School House on Ham Road.

Now, I’m sure many of you know our building on Ham Road. It’s been standing tall for generations, weathering the changes the town has seen over the last 150 years. But what you might not know is that it’s also the only open-access youth centre for our 14 to 26-year-olds— in the county, a rare and precious safe space in our bustling town. And it’s at risk of being sold off if we don’t come together as a community to save it.

A Home from Home for Shoreham’s Youth

Esteem, the fantastic charity that’s been running out of The Old School House for the last eight years, is all about creating spaces where young adults can thrive. Whether it’s offering free support, including 1-2-1 sessions, such as counselling or wellbeing walks, providing social activities and a space to chill and feel safe, or opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community, Esteem is doing incredible work. For many young people, this building isn’t just four walls and a roof—it’s a home from home.

Please help!

Now, unfortunately, our space is in jeopardy and we need your help. We’re on a mission to raise the funds we need by October 2025 to buy The Old School House and secure its future for our young people. We have a plan to save the building, and I truly believe we’ll succeed. After all, Shoreham is known for its community spirit, and this is the perfect opportunity to show it off!

Imagine a future where any local young person continues to have a place where they can be themselves, belong, grow, and build lasting friendships. Over the longer term building their self-esteem.

Now imagine a future where that doesn’t exist anymore, and what that would do to our community and local young people. That’s what we’re fighting for. It’s not just about preserving a building; it’s about protecting a legacy and ensuring that future generations have a space to grow and thrive.

So, if you’re free on the 18th of October, please come along to the Shoreham Society talk. We’ll be sharing more about Esteem’s work, our plans to save The Old School House, and, most importantly, how you can get involved.

Hope to see you there!

Cat Vizor, Chief Officer, ESTEEM

Friday 18 October, 7pm, St Peter’s Church Hall, West St, Shoreham. £3 on the door.