We wanted to update you about something important that’s happening with the Ben Cleuch Centre, where we run the majority of our youth activities and support services.
You may have heard that another group has made an application to take over running the building. We want to reassure you right away: the Centre is not at risk of closing, and whatever happens it will continue to be run for the benefit of local people.
However, the situation directly affects OYCI and the young people we support, so we want to explain what’s going on and how you can help.
What is happening with the Ben Cleuch Centre?
A Community Asset Transfer (CAT) is when the council lets a local charity or community group take responsibility for running a building. It isn’t a sale – it just means the community becomes responsible for looking after the space.
A new charity, Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton & Devonside Community Development Trust, applied to take over the Ben Cleuch Centre and is in the process of signing the lease. The development trust is responsible for making decisions about how the building is run and used.
OYCI has been involved in this process for over two years, right from the initial application. We moved into the Centre nearly two years ago, and we’ve invested thousands of pounds to make it safe, welcoming, accessible and designed for the needs of young people.
We were looking forward to making it our long-term home.
What has changed?
Recently, the development trust made decisions about how some of the spaces in the Centre would be used. These decisions were made without consulting OYCI, even though we use the spaces every day.
These changes mean:
● we can no longer run some of our support services in the building
● some of the most vulnerable young people in our community may lose vital support
● the privacy and safety of young people could be affected
We tried very hard to find a compromise, but we cannot risk the safety, wellbeing or dignity of the young people we support. Those must always come first.
What OYCI has done
To try and protect the future of our services, we have created a new organisation: Ochils Community Trust (OCT). OCT has submitted its own Community Asset Transfer application to take over the running of the Ben Cleuch Centre.
Although OCT is legally separate, it will work in partnership with OYCI so that:
● the Centre can stay open six days a week
● young people, families and community groups can use the building safely
● the whole community benefits from a vibrant, welcoming, well-run hub
● the spaces needed for free, safe and inclusive youth support are protected
OYCI has almost 10 years of experience supporting children, young people and families.
We already operate from the Centre. We know what our local community and young people need to feel safe, supported and included.
How you can help
Clackmannanshire Council is now asking the public to share their views on the new application.
Every message of support makes a real difference.
If OYCI has supported your child or family, or if you believe in our vision for a safe and welcoming community space, please take a couple of minutes to send a comment supporting our application.
👉 Click here to leave a comment
Thank you so much for supporting OYCI and the young people in our community. Together, we can protect the future of the Ben Cleuch Centre for everyone.
