Lancashire County Council invests over £1m in young people's centres

Youth unemployment has been a significant concern to UK politicians and those working in the industry since 2008, in which it has been steadily rising.

However, young people's centres are having a massive impact on strengthening young people's personal and social development as they make their transition from adolescence to adult life.

As a dedicated place in which young people can meet and participate in leisure activities, they are helping Lancashire's young people to gain a stronger sense of who they are as a person and improve their wellbeing, offering additional support to those young people who may be most vulnerable, or have significant personal barriers in their lives.

And Lancashire County Council has recently invested £1,598,215 into centres in Burnley and Thornton to further help 13-19-year-olds in the area and provide a fun, safe , supportive place to go.

Cath Collister, Infrastructure Development Officer of LCC Young People’s Services, said: “The County Council is committed to offering young people in the region safe, enjoyable establishments for when you are looking for somewhere to go. Whether you want to play table tennis, X-box with your friends, pool and snooker or arts and crafts, our young people's centres are open to all young people aged 13-19-years-old and we have a great team of workers who are there to offer confidential advice and information.”

With the help of Lustalux, the UK specialists in graphics, signs and window film, Thornton Cleveleys Young People's Centre and Burnley Youth Zone recently underwent a transformation with state-of-the-art digital print wall graphics.

The Preston-based firm was hired to supply and install some eye-catching graphics to liven up the premises and make it a friendly environment as part of a major refurbishment.

Six stunning wall graphics were printed and placed in dedicated zones including the dance studio, computer room and sports hall. As some of the walls in question were painted concrete blocks, Lustalux printed the graphics onto conformable vinyl which is designed to heat mould onto rough surfaces. The smooth walls were applied with standard printed and laminated vinyl.

The leading specialists only use the highest grades of vinyl and laminates from leading manufacturers such as Hexis, Arlon, 3M, Avery and Metamark. The print process is carried out in the clean dust environment of their own workshop, therefore guaranteeing the highest standard of installation.

Richard Lancaster, Managing Director of Lustalux, said: “We were delighted when Lancashire County Council’s Young People’s Service came to us to with their plans to refurbish the local young people's centres.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for wall art in recent years. With our ability to print onto various substrate using UV and solvent ink printers, the scope for our graphics is huge and we hope that everyone enjoys them!” Cath added: “The new graphics supplied by Lustalux have helped to brighten up the blank walls at the centres and make it a more enjoyable, energetic atmosphere. They’ve helped us to give young people the opportunity to hang out with their friends and make new ones in an artistic ambience.”