New Andover youth drop-in space set up by charity Youth Ace is a big success

Andover Community Engage Youth was launched at the beginning of August by sisters Tania Hall and Maria Tierney.

The sisters decided to launch the drop-in space to offer a safe space for young people aged 10 and over to spend time with others their own age.

Attendees are able to enjoy a range of age-appropriate activities such as jewellery making and graffiti boards, with other attractions including pool tables, table tennis and a basketball hoop.

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The space also organises day trips to local activities, including cinema sessions.

Maria said: “We’re just giving them a space that feels like home, where they can just be with their friends and not all be crammed in one house.

“So, it’s been a nice experience for them to have a safe space but also to have a little bit of freedom so that they are ready for that jump to secondary school.”

ACE Youth has already proven to be a success, with several of the space’s trips having reached max capacity, and its Facebook group having 397 members at time of writing.

ACE Youth also offers fun trips to local attractions, including cinema visits and trips to the bowling alley Maria continued: “There are lots and lots of people supporting the space, and we’ve only ever had positive feedback with regards to it.

“It’s certainly really done well with regards to this age group as well, because if they start now, it is much easier to impact on these children now, giving them something to do so they don’t end up doing things that they shouldn’t be doing.”

The space is free for children to use, with participation on trips requiring a small payment.

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ACE Youth offers supported spaces on trips, allowing children from low-income households to attend trips.

Maria said: “We’re all feeling the pinch, and if we can help, we will.

“The group itself is paying for some supported spaces on each of the sessions, so if someone is in need, send them anyway.

“I think we are all struggling at the moment, and we are all in this together, and we can get out of this together too.”

ACE Youth is open from 10am until 3.30pm during school holidays.

The space is located on the ground floor of Andover Community Exchange, and is supported by Andover Community Fridge It is located on the ground floor of the Andover Community Exchange on the high street.

More information about the space can be found on its Facebook page.