We cannot let Base 33 shut (From Witney Gazette)

We cannot let Base 33 shut

9:50am Wednesday 22nd June 2011 in Leader

Today we call for West Oxfordshire’s residents to help Base 33 by donating as much money as possible.

The Witney youth centre could face closure in a matter of weeks if money is not found to pay for its core costs, including rent and wages.

Base 33 provides an important space for youngsters to meet and, as many people have said, it helps stop antisocial behaviour. It would be an absolute disaster if Base closed, and would undoubtedly lead to many more youngsters on the street.

But, we feel, by far the most tragic result would be the loss of many of its services, which help some of the town’s most vulnerable people. Base 33 provides services for teenage mothers, supporting them through the pregnancy and offering advice to help them afterwards. It provides a drop-in service to help youngsters with problems, which can range from broken families to drug addiction.

And the centre helps young people to get back on their feet after problems, by providing help finding and applying for jobs. To say these services are crucial to youngsters in Witney is an understatement.

Base 33 is often the last point of call for young people in the town.

It helps those who have fallen through society’s gaps, picking them up and getting them back on the right path. Without the centre, the problems for Witney would be far-reaching and profound.

The thought of youngsters having nowhere to go and no one to talk to while they deal with difficult situations is deeply saddening.

We cannot let Base 33 shut.

To donate, call 01993 200682, or text ‘Base33’ and the amount you wish to give to 70070.