Opportunities for younger Bognorians

Bognor Regis offers a range of opportunities for young people, from leisure activities and social spaces to educational and career development.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Youth Clubs and Community Spaces:

  • 39 Youth Club: This is a prominent youth club in Bognor Regis, offering a safe and relaxing space for young people. They have sessions for juniors (school years 5 & 6) and seniors (school years 7+), with activities built around their needs. They also run sessions at Felpham Village Hall on Fridays. The club has recently undergone refurbishment and is committed to providing a thriving youth center.
  • Find It Out Centre (Bognor): This centre, part of Youth Access, supports young people aged 11-19 (and up to 25 with additional needs like SEND or care experience). They offer advice and counselling on a range of topics.
  • Bognor Regis Youth and Community Centre (BRYCC): This centre supports intergenerational community projects and works with young people through projects like "Arts and Youth Drop In," providing mentoring and life skills. They also host events such as "Our Generation Young People's Day" with arts, crafts, singing groups, and live bands.

2. Sports and Outdoor Activities:

  • Bognor Regis Sailing Club: Offers opportunities for young people to get involved in sailing, windsurfing, wing foiling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. They are an RYA Sail Training Centre, so youth courses and development pathways are likely available.
  • South Coast Sports: Focuses on improving sports access for children across West Sussex. They offer:
    • Before & After School Clubs
    • Holiday Camps (Ofsted registered)
    • Community Projects: Including Friday Night Football, Community Basketball, and Girls Football Days. They also have dedicated programs for SEND and Home Educated children.
    • Active Tots: Football sessions for 2-5 year olds.
  • Middleton Sports Club: Offers a wide range of sporting opportunities for all ages and levels, including cricket, tennis, hockey, and a gym.
  • Arun Leisure Centre: Provides swimming pools and other leisure facilities.
  • Local Parks & Beaches:
    • Hotham Park: The largest park in Bognor Regis, offering green spaces for recreation.
    • Pagham Beach: A shingle beach suitable for walks.
    • Bognor Regis Promenade and Beach: Features a "Beach on the Beach" (large sandpit in summer), a themed play park, crazy golf, and a promenade train in summer.
  • Adventure Activities: Within or near Bognor, there are options for:
    • Crazy Golf (e.g., at Waterloo Square and Jungle Paradise Adventure Golf).
    • Flying Fortress Theme Park (indoor play centre).
    • Butlin's Bognor Regis Resort: Offers day passes with various entertainment and activities.
    • Out of Bounds (Littlehampton): Activity centre with soft play, climbing, and more.
    • Flip Out Chichester: Trampoline park.

3. Education and Skill Development:

  • West Sussex Music Centre Bognor Regis: Offers music education for young people (ages 7-11 and older) with activities like Tomorrow's Orchestra Programme and Bognor Regis Junior Orchestra. They aim to make music accessible with bursary schemes.
  • West Sussex County Council - Apprenticeships: The county council actively promotes apprenticeships for anyone over 15 who has completed secondary education. These offer paid work, training, qualifications, and improved employment prospects. You can search for vacancies on GOV.UK and filter by location (Bognor Regis). Examples of apprenticeships in the wider West Sussex area include Chef, Fire & Security Engineer, Horticulture, Retail Sales, and Business Administrator.
  • Local Colleges (e.g., Chichester College Group): While not directly in Bognor, nearby colleges offer a wide range of vocational courses, A-Levels, and apprenticeships for young people.
  • Work Experience: While direct "work experience" postings might be limited, job search sites like Totaljobs sometimes list general roles that could be suitable for younger individuals seeking entry-level experience (e.g., teaching assistant roles, or roles with companies willing to train). Direct inquiries with local businesses are often the best approach for specific work experience placements.

4. Volunteering Opportunities:

  • Bognor Regis Youth and Community Centre (BRYCC): Seeks volunteers for various roles, including social media assistance, and support for their youth and community projects.
  • Scouts (Bognor Regis & District): Offers programs for Squirrels (4-6), Beavers (6-8), Cubs (8-10.5), Scouts (10.5-14), and Explorers (14-18). They focus on fun, challenging activities, adventure, and community impact. They also welcome adult volunteers.
  • Charity Shops: Many charity shops in Bognor Regis welcome young volunteers, providing valuable retail and customer service experience.
  • Local Events/Festivals: Look out for local events that often need volunteer support (e.g., Bognorphenia, which involves young people in their "Our Generation Young People's Day").

Where to Look for Opportunities:

  • Youth Club Websites and Social Media: Check out 39 Youth Club and Bognor Regis Youth and Community Centre.
  • West Sussex County Council Website: For information on youth services, apprenticeships, and education.
  • Job Search Engines: For apprenticeships and entry-level jobs (Indeed, gov.uk/find-an-apprenticeship, Totaljobs, Reed.co.uk). Filter by "apprenticeship" and "Bognor Regis" or "West Sussex."
  • Sports Club Websites: Bognor Regis Sailing Club, South Coast Sports, Middleton Sports Club.
  • Volunteer Now! (Arun and Chichester): To find local volunteering roles.
  • School Career Advisors/Teachers: They can provide guidance on local opportunities, work experience placements, and apprenticeship pathways.
  • Local Libraries and Community Boards: Often have information on local events and youth groups.

Bognor Regis provides a supportive environment for young people to grow, learn, and engage with their community through a mix of structured activities, educational pathways, and informal recreational opportunities.