Whitemoss Club for Young People and Community Centre Spirit Story - Where the community takes ownership

Whitemoss Club for Young People is a community centre in Charlestown (North Manchester) which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The centre is very well used; with a whole range of activities taking place six days a week, there’s always something going on! The centre is particularly busy on Fridays, with activities for children, young people and over 50s taking place.

On the morning of Friday 23rd September, 20 NEET (not in employment, education or training) young people used the centre for an hour, taking part in activities such as boxing, football, table tennis and pool. Manchester Young Lives also called into the centre. During that time, volunteers also prepared a meal for the Age Friendly Luncheon Club. This runs fortnightly on a Friday, reducing social isolation for the over 50s. On Friday, 25 older people enjoyed a two course lunch of stew, followed by jelly and ice cream, which was made by young people on Thursday night. Those who attended thoroughly enjoyed this lunch and a game of bingo for just £3.50.

On Friday night, there was a Junior Club session, where 30 8-12 year olds enjoyed various activities, such as inside and outside sports, as well as use of the centre’s allotment, music studio, computer room and games room. The session is run totally by volunteers, seven of which are young volunteers (aged 12-18) and five of which are adults.

John Biggs, the manager of Whitemoss, joined the centre aged 8 in 1956 when it was a boys’ club. Having been a part of the centre for so long, John can really see the positive impact it has on the community. He says that Whitemoss is “a proper community centre, where the community takes ownership. I dread to think what the community would be like without it”. So many people support the centre in so many different ways, and so many people benefit from it.

Many children who attended the centre in the 1960s are now volunteering there. It isn’t an understatement to say that the centre changes lives. John reckons that about 20 couples have met at the centre and married, many of whom still continue to use the centre today. John himself met his wife at Whitemoss and their son, Jonny, now volunteers at the club.

Whitemoss is predominantly run by volunteers. John said that “Without people like this and grants, the club couldn’t be where it is today”. Through fundraising, donations and successful grant applications, the centre has been able to improve its premises and continue its work. The centre has changed tremendously over the years, with features such as a sensory garden being developed, which is really beneficial for children and adults with special needs. The centre gets quite a lot of support from Manchester City Council, and John wholeheartedly believes that the government needs to put more money into places like this.

The centre has received funding to make a film of its history, as part of the celebrations of its 60th anniversary. This film and a fun day are expected to take place in November.