Members
Members are of Protestant and Catholic communities from the Greater Shankill and West Belfast areas aged 8 -18, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged, those who have suffered due to the legacy of the troubles, educationally at risk young people from special needs units and alternative education providers, those who are subject to Social Services Care Orders and/or those whose families are in crisis, detached youth and young people with disabilities. We have established strong links with and receive referrals from existing organisations who help assist these groups.
In the past, the Clubhouse has welcomed Alternative Education Providers such as the Link Centre, NewStart, Loughshore and Pathways, Student Support Units of local schools including St Louise's, Boy's Model and Girl's Model, Training Providers such as Springvale and Impact Training and youth clubs such as Beechmount Community Project, Upper Springfield Development Trust Action on Disability Group, St John's Immaculata Youth Club, the Chinese Welfare Association, Springfield Charitable Association, Forthspring, North Belfast Alternatives, the Vine Centre, Lower Oldpark and Shankill Women's Centre.
Members are grouped into cohorts, which attend at different set times per week to ensure maximum reach to the target groups and also to ensure optimal use of the facilities. The scheduling of sessions is flexible, taking into account the needs of our users, for example alternative education providers and community and youth groups.