Somerford Youth and Community Centre (SYCC) has a history of supporting local children, young people, and families. Our journey began in 2006 when a group of local people formed Christchurch Activities for Young People (CAYP) to address the lack of affordable activities for disadvantaged children and young people living in poverty in the Somerford area. Recognised for its high levels of multiple deprivation, the local area needed dedicated support and services.
How we started
Initially operating as a small community group, CAYP became a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2011, allowing us to expand our services. We provided out-of-school activities for children and young people while offering additional support to families.
In 2015, Dorset County Council announced the closure of its youth clubs and invited community groups to submit business plans to take over the facilities. In response, CAYP established the Christchurch Open Awards Centre (COAC) as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and successfully submitted a business plan to take ownership of Somerford Youth Club.
By 2020, CAYP ceased operating as a Community Interest Company and fully merged into the COAC registered charity, rebranding as the Somerford Youth and Community Centre (SYCC) Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Our growth and vision
In 2021, we successfully raised £150,000, with significant contributions from The Talbot Village Trust and the Veolia Environmental Trust, to construct a new meeting and training centre. This two-storey building, located in our car park, includes group rooms and one-to-one rooms, designed to support training, workshops, and activities for both young people and the wider community.
We remain committed to our core mission: creating a safe, inclusive environment where young people and families can access the support they need to thrive. However, our costs increase each year, and we must raise more than £500,000 to keep going.