The Past
The Brunswick Youth Club has a unique history. It was concieved in a World War II Prisoner of War Camp in Brunswick, Germany, where a group of British officers considered their boredom and deprivation and realised that their's was a situation familiar to young people in the cities of their homeland; Young people for whom there existed few diversions and little prospect of escape. The comradeship of the camp taught them to make the most of what life has to offer, even in adverse circumstances.
They resolved that on their release they would encourage young people to adopt that Brunswick spirit to fight against limitations and restrains imposed by their social environment, learn respect for each other and take the future into their own hands.
Amongst these determined British officers were Michael Marshall, Phillips Evans and Harry Mounsey, who upon their release from Brunswick P.O.W Camp fulfilled their promises and established the Brunswick Boys CLub in Liverpool in 1947.
The Present
Sixty years on, the spirit of Brunswick is undiminished. The Liverpool club , relocated to Marsh Lane, Bootle in 1964, has become a local landmark. Recent years have seen the achievement of a number of milestones - The development of Outdoor pursuits programmes, exchange visits with other European youth organisations and the completion of training courses by over 100 youngsters. Members have an excellent track record in Duke of Edinburgh award schemes and the Community Sports Leadership award.
The club also runs a programme to raise awareness of issues that effect young people. The club also works in partnership with Sefton Youth Service to identify young people's needs. The core delivery of the youth club programme is based on the Youth Matters framework that are outlined in the government initiative in delivering these policies.
Recent development shave seen the growth of our afterschool provision which is aimed at supporting local schools and families in the community. This service is delivered supporting the Every Child Matters framework set out by the government which in turn is regularly inspected by Ofsted.
The Future
Over the last 60 years The Brunswick Youth Club has developed historical links to citizenship that have enhanced the clubs understanding of regeneration in the area.
The Brunswick values how important citizenship and cohesion sits within the community and we have clear evidence that programmes that we have delivered have encouraged community involvement and empowerment.
We will continue this theme by offering young people the opportunity to develop their role as community ambassadors representing their community and youth centre.
By encouraging active citizenship this process will support individuals to participate in decision making in the wider community.
