Our Vision
Focusing on supporting the youth population in the town of Beaminster & its surrounding areas with our services and activities, while providing a community hub for the rest of the town…
Why we are here…
The Prout Bridge Project has grown out of Beaminster Youth Club. The charity was set up in 2016 to take over running youth clubs in Beaminster from Dorset County Council. Since then we have been running regular, well-attended youth clubs and holiday activities for young people.
In our work with the local community we have seen the opportunity to offer more activities, facilities and services for people of all ages living in the town and the surrounding area. Our consultation in August 2018 showed that there is a need for this:
93% of people living in and around the town wish there were more activities and clubs for people of all ages in Beaminster
41% sometimes feel isolated or lonely
80% would like to meet new people and make new friends
Only 6% think that there is enough for young people to do in and around Beaminster
Only 15% think there is enough support and information for children and families in Beaminster
77% of people of all ages would like to learn new skills (this rises to 84% amongst under-25s)
We have worked towards becoming a vibrant community hub for Beaminster, offering activities and services for all members of our community, while not competing or replacing support that is already on offer. We work in partnership with other community partners - charities, local churches & other organisations - to provide these activities & services, to compliment what they offer & connect people to the support that they provide.
Now in 2022, a year after the restrictions and closures that were imposed on us from Covid-19 have been lifted, we have seen an increase in need from the young people (ages 8-19) in our community on accessing our services and support. Our youth club numbers are bigger than ever and so too are the number of referrals to our targeted youth mental health support service. We are determined to meet this increased need and have made this our current primary focus.
We are still committed though to our work as being an ‘umbrella’ charity to nurture and support other charities and community organisations who share the same charitable objectives as us.
Our objectives:
Offer an inclusive, affordable and varied programme of activities, so that people of all ages in Beaminster and the surrounding area feel they have access to fulfilling things to do, including arts, music, crafts, sport, dance, fitness, learning, culture and heritage, with a particular focus on helping young people to thrive through the support of youth clubs and targeted youth work.
Fight loneliness, social isolation and intergenerational divides by providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds and of all ages to come together socially, participate in their community, make friends and support each other.
Support people to feel mentally well, achieve healthy lifestyles, be independent, and develop skills that will help them thrive.
Develop a sustainable long- term project which supports the local community, responding to evolving needs and delivering activities, services and facilities that people want, by regularly consulting with the community and local organisations and service providers.
Operate as an “umbrella” charity nurturing and supporting other charitable and community organisations which share the same objectives.