New youth facility to offer provision for kids with special needs

A NEW facility for youth services within Cookstown town centre is due to open in May or June this year, the Education Authority (EA) has confirmed.

The confirmation came in a letter from the EA’s Youth Service in response to Mid Ulster MLA, Patsy McGlone, questioning the level of provision in the area after the sudden closure of Cookstown Youth Resource Centre.

In the letter, the EA stated that they had found suitable premises and were currently developing a Service Level Agreement for a new facility within Cookstown town centre, with a target of May/June 2024 for the opening of the new facility.

Mr McGlone said, “A number of constituents had brought to my attention the sudden closure of the Cookstown Youth Resource Centre and the impact this had on the provision of youth services in the town.

“The lack of appropriate provision since its closure was particularly distressing for parents of children with additional needs or a registered disability.

“As a result of those concerns, I sought clarification from the Education Authority on the steps they were taking to ensure there was adequate youth provision in the area.

“I welcome the response from the Education Authority Youth Service in which they acknowledged the impact of the closure of the Youth Resource Centre.

“They also confirmed that they have now found suitable premises and are currently developing a Service Level Agreement for a new facility within Cookstown town centre.

“It is their stated intention that, in the new facility, there will be increased provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to enable those currently on a waiting list to access services.

“I will continue to work with concerned parents and the Education Authority to ensure that the target date for the new facility to open is met.”