A YOUTH charity has launched a public appeal to help it find a new base.
At the weekend, Kilkeel Sea Cadets confirmed it is on the lookout for new premises – and now the unit is asking the community for its support.
They have to vacate their current premises, close to Kilkeel Harbour, at the start of February.
With the clock ticking, they are hoping that, with Mourne Observer readers’ support, they can find a new place to call home.
Kilkeel Sea Cadets was established in January 2014, with the goal of providing something different and worthwhile for young people.
Nationally the charity caters for those aged between 10 and 17, offering a wide range of opportunities and training, both on and offshore, such as BTEC, RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and British Canoeing qualifications, alongside Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Over the years the Kilkeel cadets have used a number of premises as their base, including Seaview, the Fishermen’s Mission, and their current premises along the town’s Harbour Road.
However, they are again on the hunt for a new base and hope local people may be able to step in and assist.
The group is now looking for premises that will allow them to become tenants, or at least obtain regular access a number of evenings a week, along with weekends.
The new premises would need to have sufficient rooms to allow the cadets to be taught their syllabus separately, along with office space and a larger ‘main deck’ multi-use room.
Ideally, the building would come along with a small piece of land where the group would be able to keep their minibus, and erect a small storage shed.
The Kilkeel Sea Cadets unit is run by a small but dedicated team, intent on opening doors that will transform the lives of our local youth.
Opportunities available to Sea Cadets through the various life skills offered include the opportunity to train on powerboats and yachts, as well as its flagship, TS Royalist, where cadets can apply to spend a week on voyage, learning how to navigate, pilot and become part of a ship’s crew.
Ruth Verner, chairperson of the Kilkeel group, said the community’s assistance in the hunt for new premises is crucial.
“We need to vacate our current premises at the start of February, so the clock is ticking.
“Ideally, we would like to stay in Kilkeel, but are happy to be within several miles of the harbour,” she explained.
Outlining the important role the charity plays, Ruth continued: “We provide vital learning experiences through structured activities which offer scope for our young people to develop transferrable skills such as teamwork, leadership and problem solving, helping them to overcome challenges and prepare for life today, whatever their plans when they finish school.” Highlighting the importance, and relative urgency, of securing new premises, she added that the Kilkeel unit would be keen to hear from locals who may have a solution to their current problem.
“If anyone knows of anywhere that we could call home, or has contacts that could help us, we would be delighted to hear from them.
“Likewise, the same applies to anyone who knows of a building that is not currently being used and could be suitable for us. Also, if anyone thinks they could help us financially with rent, that would be amazing too,” added Ruth.
Should you be able to help Kilkeel Sea Cadets in any way, please e-mail rverner@niscc.org.uk or ring 07590 019165
