Reinstate Gateway Youth Club for disabled young people
The Issue
The sudden closure of the Gateway Youth Club in Calderdale has left a void in the lives of disabled young people in our community. Since its inception in 1977, this club has been a cornerstone in providing essential support, leisure, and developmental activities tailored to the needs of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) youth. Parents and carers were given just a two-week notice about the club's closure, with the last session held on 23 March, leaving no time for discussions or appeals. This abrupt decision is in stark contrast to other mainstream youth clubs in the region which continue to operate.
The Gateway Youth Club played an irreplaceable role in empowering disabled young individuals by fostering a sense of belonging, enhancing social skills, and providing a safe environment to relax and interact. For many attendees, this club was not just a leisure spot but a critical support system that helped them navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and joy.
This abrupt closure has caused undue distress to both the young people who relied on these services and their families who trusted the club for the much-needed respite and support it offered. The closure reflects a significant oversight in understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by SEND youth and their families in Calderdale.
We, therefore, urge Calderdale Council to reconsider this decision and take immediate action to reinstate the Gateway Youth Club. Reinstating the club will restore a vital service to our community, ensuring that disabled young people have equal opportunities for social interaction and personal development.
By signing this petition, you lend your voice to this crucial cause, advocating for fairness and equal access to community services for all. Help us in urging local authorities to recognise the importance of such inclusive programs by reinstating the Gateway Youth Club. Sign and support this petition to make a difference in the lives of many.
We owe it to our young people to provide them with the necessary resources to thrive. Sign to bring Gateway Youth Club back to Calderdale and renew a beacon of hope and support for our community's disabled youth.
538
The Issue
The sudden closure of the Gateway Youth Club in Calderdale has left a void in the lives of disabled young people in our community. Since its inception in 1977, this club has been a cornerstone in providing essential support, leisure, and developmental activities tailored to the needs of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) youth. Parents and carers were given just a two-week notice about the club's closure, with the last session held on 23 March, leaving no time for discussions or appeals. This abrupt decision is in stark contrast to other mainstream youth clubs in the region which continue to operate.
The Gateway Youth Club played an irreplaceable role in empowering disabled young individuals by fostering a sense of belonging, enhancing social skills, and providing a safe environment to relax and interact. For many attendees, this club was not just a leisure spot but a critical support system that helped them navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and joy.
This abrupt closure has caused undue distress to both the young people who relied on these services and their families who trusted the club for the much-needed respite and support it offered. The closure reflects a significant oversight in understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by SEND youth and their families in Calderdale.
We, therefore, urge Calderdale Council to reconsider this decision and take immediate action to reinstate the Gateway Youth Club. Reinstating the club will restore a vital service to our community, ensuring that disabled young people have equal opportunities for social interaction and personal development.
By signing this petition, you lend your voice to this crucial cause, advocating for fairness and equal access to community services for all. Help us in urging local authorities to recognise the importance of such inclusive programs by reinstating the Gateway Youth Club. Sign and support this petition to make a difference in the lives of many.
We owe it to our young people to provide them with the necessary resources to thrive. Sign to bring Gateway Youth Club back to Calderdale and renew a beacon of hope and support for our community's disabled youth.
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 29 April 2026