a home for all
Youth Charity at the Heart of St.Albans
The Pioneer Club has been a cornerstone of St Albans and beyond since 1941, beginning as a youth centre for young evacuees during the Second World War. Our vision since then is to create a home for all, where young people of every age and background can thrive. With a rich history of supporting youth self-expression and community building, our youth charity centre served as a grassroots music venue during the vibrant 1960s and fostered a phenomenal skateboarding community by establishing the UK's oldest indoor skatepark in the 1980s.
Our Mission
Today, young people remain at the heart of everything we do. Our mission as a youth charity in St Albans is to create a safe space for young people to thrive. In collaboration with our partners, we offer a diverse range of classes, events, and activities across performing arts, music, and skateboarding.
We also provide targeted youth programmes, such as our support groups for young people and their families, and school holiday activities, including our skate camps for young people from the least-advantaged backgrounds.
Donate to The Pioneer Club
Help us to continue to provide the support many children in St Albans need to feel confident and connected. Your donations allow us to continue to host inclusive events, inspiring Skate activities, and provide a service that benefits so many in our communities.
How Your Money Helps:
-
£160 can cover the full costs of a 2 hour skate party, providing respite and social interaction for children that need it,
-
£175 fully covers a 2 hour disco party, allowing children to unwind and let loose in a safe environment built for them
-
Learn more about how to donate at the Pioneer Club
Current Youth Provision
If you would like to join any of our programmes, partner with us, or find out more about our work, please contact info@pioneerclub.co.uk
Step forward
The Pioneer Club is working in partnership with Vista St Albans to deliver Step Forward: School avoidance support group. This programme will assist children and young people experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). EBSA is a complex issue affecting countless children who find it impossible to attend school due to overwhelming feelings of anxiety, fear, or distress. This struggle can leave children feeling isolated, misunderstood, and falling behind academically, socially, and emotionally.
As one of the few youth charities in St Albans tackling this issue, we believe that every child deserves the support, tools, and environment they need to overcome these challenges and to flourish both in and outside of school. Our programme aims to empower children with EBSA to have a safe space to come to, and the opportunity to engage in fun and social activities. We will also offer families the chance to build a network and have access to support through Vista’s staff.
Details:
-
When: weekly termtime, Wednesday 1 to 3pm drop in, 4-6pm Dungeons and Dragons gaming group
-
Where: The Pioneer Club, Heathlands Drive, St Albans AL3 5AY
-
Who: Young people and families aged 5-18 with EBSA
-
Facilitators: Vista School Family Worker and Behaviour Support Practitioner, Pioneer programme workers
-
Cost: Free to attend, drop in