Olympic athlete Adele Nicoll cut the ribbon on a new community programme from Welshpool’s Youth Centre.

Welshpool’s Youth Centre has been given a new lease of life by the organisation Feathers, who recently opened facility and expansion into Wales from the town’s former youth club building on Howell Drive which will re-open its doors in June.

The organisation opened the new facility as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations on Monday, May 19, inviting Olympic British shot putter, discus thrower and bobsledder Adele Nicoll, also from Welshpool, to the opening.

She said: “The building that The Feathers Association has opened in my hometown will become a vital hub and safe space for young people and members of the community.

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“It will help foster a sense of community and belonging. It will offer essential services such as mental health support, educational programs, and recreational activities.

“Overall enhancing youth wellbeing.  It was really special to be there and I couldn’t be more grateful that The Feathers Association has come to Welshpool.”

Feathers hope that the new centre will support children, young people, and the broader community as the 90-year-old organisation looks to expand its reach outside of London and Glascow.

The centre in Welshpool will open its doors on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 8.30pm, but there are plans to extend its hours to include after-school programs every evening and activities on weekends soon.

Starting in June, the centre will also introduce a bike maintenance program every Monday. The Feathers team are also looking to arrange club nights featuring games, sports, arts and crafts, gaming, and music sessions.

The team of volunteers also wants the centre to be a hub for opportunities to seek information and support from dedicated team members, nutritious food offerings, as well as gardening clubs and activities for the wider community members too.

David Jones, The Feathers Association CEO added: “The opening of Feathers Welshpool in this new facility is extremely exciting.

“It is a testament to The Feathers Association's ongoing commitment to providing opportunities not readily available to local communities across England and Wales. 

“As the charity celebrates 90 years providing support and a safe space to enjoy social, educational and activities in the sports and arts space, we look forward to continuing our mission to empower and uplift those we work closely with.”