Our CEO Visits Frome Youth Club
21 October 2025
Recently, our CEO, Mike Fairbeard, paid a visit to our youth club in Frome.
He was instantly greeted with warmth, energy, and joyfulness. Staff and young people alike were eager to show off their newly renovated space, although they made sure not to let Mike win at pool!
The atmosphere in the centre was buzzing, with young people proudly demonstrating how much effort and imagination they’d poured into helping shape their club. Thanks to support from the Youth Investment Fund, FYCC has undergone a remarkable transformation, creating an environment that truly reflects the young people who use it. The refurbishment includes an upgraded IT suite, new games and activities (from karaoke to pool), a fully equipped kitchen, and improved accessibility for everyone. Thanks to these renovations, a world of opportunity has opened up for our young people.
The Youth Investment Fund is part of the government’s National Youth Guarantee, a commitment to ensure that every young person in England has access to regular activities, adventures away from home, and volunteering opportunities. For FYCC, the Fund has meant the chance to create a space that meets the needs of young people today. We worked with our young people to create a space that grows with them, supports them, and celebrates who they are.
Frome Youth & Community Centre is a safe, welcoming place where young people can belong. Spaces like FYCC play a vital role in the wellbeing and development of young people. They provide somewhere to socialise, learn new skills, and talk openly with trusted youth workers who understand the challenges they face.
During Mike’s visit, he participated in crafting activities, cooking and a few games of pool. Mike began his career with the YMCA as a Youth Worker, so visits like these are especially exciting for him.
“Thanks to Chiara and the team for making me feel so welcome last night. I was really impressed with the quality of the setting and particularly the great relationships that our staff have with the young people. The new equipment looks great and the range of activities was excellent – a pleasure to see. This is a really special piece of our work which I’m so proud to be associated with.”
– Mike Fairbeard, CEO
For FYCC, this project has strengthened bonds between staff and young people, turning the centre into a community that’s vibrant, inclusive, and full of laughter. Whether it’s a game of pool, a chat in the kitchen, or learning something new in the IT suite, every corner now reflects the voices of those who helped create it.
Mike’s visit was a celebration of all that hard work, and of what’s possible when investment, imagination, and young people’s ideas come together. FYCC is more than just a youth club; it’s a place where futures are being built, one conversation, one game, and one shared meal at a time.
