THE Chilton Trinity Youth Club near Bridgwater has achieved Somerset County Council’s ‘Safe and Welcoming’ award.

Chilton Trinity Youth Club is a popular new club, set in beautiful surroundings and supported by volunteers from the community.

The club provides a safe and relaxed environment for young people to socialise and unwind with their friends.

The youth club is supported by grant funding Somerset County Council’s Youth & Community Service, receiving £2,845 to support its work until March 2019.

The ‘Safe and Welcoming’ benchmark scheme accredits the club’s safe practice and appeal to young people.

The club was required to build a portfolio containing witness statements, policies, health and safety practice and building safety details in order to obtain the award.

A volunteer from the youth club said: “We are thrilled that we are making a difference to young people’s lives in our local community and look forward to building on this for the future.”

Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children and families at Somerset County Council said: “It is reassuring for parents and carers to know that their local youth club is safe, sustainable and 'young people friendly'.

"Once a youth club has gained this award, it becomes instantly recognisable to young people and their families as a great resource for their community.”

The awards are valid for three years and are a condition of Somerset County Council youth club funding.

The award is split into sections looking at what young people can expect to experience at the club, the people who contribute to or work in the club, and policies, procedures and paperwork.

There are currently 52 youth clubs in Somerset who hold the Safe and Welcoming Benchmark which can be viewed at somersetyouth.co.uk/club/benchmark_scheme/208.