Organisation started in October 2009 with three teen session in South Petherton. Volunteers have recruited other volunteers and the idea has spread to Chard and Ilminster. Executive director and senior practitioner Pete May, who has always worked within the youth sector, visited  West One in January to meet the club members  and recruited a group of volunteers. The teenagers  then met up every week  for two  months to plan what they wanted to do, before presenting it to the town council in March. They had identified a gap for the pre-teens age group and the council were very impressed and supportive, offering help with funding along with West One Youth and Community Centre.

Mr May said: “What really impressed me was that they wanted to do something for someone else, not themselves.”

The free session last week was designed to give the youngsters a taste of what was on offer but also to offer feedback to the volunteers as to what they would like to do on Wild Wednesdays. 

One of the South Petherton volunteers as well and Mr May and his team were on hand to make sure everything ran smoothly.

Crewkerne volunteers were Rhianne Webb, Sophie Robbins, Megan Purchase and Megan Robins. Rhianne had even turned up on her 16th birthday so as not to miss the launch of all their hard work. 

She said  “Pete came to our youth club and I thought it was a good idea. It looks good on my CV too and gets me out of the house. I want to go into the Navy so it’s good for my communication skills.”   

Wild Wednesdays cost £1.50 per session. For more details call Pete May 01460 64509 or email pete.may@als-cic-org

PICTURE: YOUTH FOR YOUTH Mentors and volunteers with some of the first takers of the new youth club in Crewkerne