Changes to Club 17 spark concern among Telford families
Youth clubs have long provided vital spaces for young people to socialise, build confidence and access support. Club 17, run by Telford and Wrekin Council, has for many years offered that space to young people aged 11 to 25 with disabilities, free of charge.
However, recent changes to the structure and funding of the club have prompted concern among families. The group has now been divided into two, with younger members moved to a different location while older members remain at the Hollinswood site. Alongside the restructure, a charge was introduced, initially £12 per session, later reduced to £6, to be paid each week.
In response to feedback, Telford and Wrekin Council said: “We’ve heard from a number of people about how much Club 17 means to them. In order to allow time to consider this feedback fully, we have extended the timescale for making the proposed changes and have been meeting with some people who currently attend Club 17 to discuss their ideas for how we could move forward in more detail.”
I spoke to a young woman who has attended Club 17 since she was 12, along with her mother, about how the changes could affect those who rely on the service.
“They’re going to have an assessment on the new building, as there are only two rooms. There’s no place for people to go who are feeling heightened or triggered by anything. Her main concern is that there’s no safe space for people to go to because it’s just one big room. There’s also no wheelchair access, so they’re going to go away and have a look at all that.”
During a meeting with families, the council said it would investigate concerns about the building and add the matter to its list of actions, promising to provide an update once assessments have been carried out.
Following discussions with families, the council agreed to reduce the session fee from £12 to £6 and indicated it would explore alternative funding sources. However, concerns remain over the new age structure and charging policy.
“They’ve also changed the age groups from 11-18 years old, everyone under the age of 16 needs to move to the new club, and any new people between 16-18. If you’re over 16, you still have to pay to go to Club 17.”
It’s for 18 upwards; however, existing club 17 members (who are 16-17) can stay where they are in the 18 plus one, however they need to pay £6 a week. I think it’s wrong that 16-17-year-olds are being charged.”
Families have also questioned the difference in fees compared to Club 2000, a non-profit provision for older individuals. Club 2000 members reportedly pay around £80 per year, approximately £2 per session. While the council has stated it does not intend to close Club 17 and is aiming to make it financially sustainable, some parents feel the discrepancy is difficult to justify.
Access to sessions has also changed. A booking system has been introduced at Club 17, meaning attendees must reserve limited slots in advance. Club 2000 does not operate the same system. The family explained that some members previously dropped in for shorter periods, something they believe will no longer be feasible due to both the cost and booking requirements.
For young people with disabilities, particularly those who are neurodivergent, sudden change can be especially challenging.
“ You’ve got to get used to new staff, a new building, different times and say goodbye to all your friends and the staff, and a lot of these children are neurodiverse and change is a massive trigger for them.”
Relocation is another concern. Some members who live close to the original site are unable to use public transport due to their disabilities and now face travelling significantly further to attend.
“This is about the lack of funding in local communities for community-based youth groups for neurodiverse and people with disabilities; there’s virtually nothing, apart from club 17 and club 2000.”
While there are other services available, such as PODs (Parents Opening Doors), these are generally aimed at younger children. Families argue there is a gap in provision for teenagers and young adults.
“It would be better for the council to bring together, use the funding from Club 2000 and Club 17 to put something together for them. We don’t know where our funding is going to go.”
I’d much prefer that funding to go towards an activity for us to do to get out into the community, i dont want that to go towards funding a new building or something. “
“I don’t think it’s fair that under-18s have to pay to attend something that myself and others have been attending since we were 12, since we were 11. Like it’s broad daylight robbery.”
Parents have also raised concerns about the financial strain on lower-income families, who may now face difficult decisions about whether they can afford for their children to attend each week.
For many attendees, Club 17 is more than a youth group; it is a consistent, supportive environment in a community where specialist provision is limited. As discussions continue, families say they hope their concerns will be fully considered to ensure the club remains accessible, inclusive and sustainable for the young people who depend on it.
