Universally known as “The Shaftes”, Shaftesbury Youth Club was presented with its King’s Award for Voluntary Service by the Lord-Lieutenant on Monday 10th March 2025.
The Shaftes is the second oldest youth club in Great Britain, having been formed in 1886. However, one of the remarkable things about this group of volunteers is the way they have continued to develop and progress to meet the changing needs of its local community.
The group has a multitude of facilities open seven days per week with active programmes taking place each day delivered by 60 volunteers and some paid staff (who all contribute far more than their paid hours). The warm welcome we received and clear joy and pride in the club displayed by everyone we met gave credibility to the club’s citation for the award, “Empowering youth, working at the heart of the community, and providing a place for everyone.”
Well done The Shaftes!
