History of the Youth Station
Youth work in Wigton has been happening for many years. Our present provision has evolved from its early days when, as the YES (Youth Enquiry Service) centre, it was able to offer a social focus for young people two evenings each week. This was in the 70s and 80s and activities took place in a basement room in the town’s community hall.
In 1982 the YES centre changed its name to the Youth Station. The numbers of young people began to grow steadily and, while they were happy to have somewhere to meet, it was shared accommodation and they frequently expressed a wish to have a place that was really their own.
This wish became a reality in 1998. Situated in the centre of Wigton was the one time White Swan Public House and, more latterly, the Labour Club. However, it had stood empty for some time and when it was advertised for sale the young people felt this was an ideal property for their centre. With support from Lottery funding, we were successful in buying and totally renovating the building.
Throughout the process, young people were involved: Choosing which parts of the original fixtures should remain, how different rooms should be utilised and, most importantly, colour schemes. In the summer of 1998 the Youth Station as it is today opened its doors for the first time.
More recently, there are aspects of the provision which have grown and changed when needed and circumstance have dictated that they should, but one fact remains the same……that this is a place for all young people and they are central to everything that happens here.
Listing on Historic England
Listing on Geograph
In 1982 the YES centre changed its name to the Youth Station. The numbers of young people began to grow steadily and, while they were happy to have somewhere to meet, it was shared accommodation and they frequently expressed a wish to have a place that was really their own.
This wish became a reality in 1998. Situated in the centre of Wigton was the one time White Swan Public House and, more latterly, the Labour Club. However, it had stood empty for some time and when it was advertised for sale the young people felt this was an ideal property for their centre. With support from Lottery funding, we were successful in buying and totally renovating the building.
Throughout the process, young people were involved: Choosing which parts of the original fixtures should remain, how different rooms should be utilised and, most importantly, colour schemes. In the summer of 1998 the Youth Station as it is today opened its doors for the first time.
More recently, there are aspects of the provision which have grown and changed when needed and circumstance have dictated that they should, but one fact remains the same……that this is a place for all young people and they are central to everything that happens here.
Listing on Historic England
Listing on Geograph