02/06/2025: Attleborough Recreational Community Hub (ARCH) launched to support the town's young people

Breckland Council is pleased to announce the official opening of the new Attleborough Recreational Community Hub, ARCH, which will offer weekly youth groups, support, and resources to young people and their families in Attleborough and surrounding areas.

ARCH is a three-year youth hub programme located at 22 Exchange Street in the town centre. To bring the project to life, it received £40.5k of funding from Breckland's Market Towns Initiative in addition to £5k from Breckland's Inspiring Communities programme, £5k from the Norfolk Community Foundation and £2k from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to support the installation of a disabled access toilet. Attleborough Town Council has also pledged £36k towards the project with contributions made to the hub from across the Attleborough Community including Hopkins Flooring, Your Workspace, Electric 11, Dodds Road, and ENM Services.

The hub was officially launched on Monday, 2 June. This followed an informal opening event on Saturday, 31 May, where parents were invited to tour the new facility.

The hub will be operated by The Benjamin Foundation every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The weekly sessions will be as follows:

Monday:

• SEND Parent/Carer Support Group (afternoon during school hours)
• Youth Group (after school)
• Junior: 8-11 years
• Senior: 12-17 years

Wednesday:

• SEND Youth Group (after school - booking required)
• Junior: 8-11 years
• Senior: 12-17 years

Thursday:

• Youth Group (after school)
• Junior: 8-11 years
• Senior: 12-17 years

Residents can sign up for services from The Benjamin Foundationby clicking this link to the application form. (opens new window)

Outside of the Benjamin Foundation's operating hours, the premises will be available for use by local community groups and organisations.

Executive Member for Economic Development & Growth, Cllr Paul Claussen, said: "The launch of the Attleborough Recreational Community Hub is part of Breckland's commitment to support vulnerable residents while investing in the future of young people in our district. By providing a safe, welcoming space with access to vital support and resources, we're hoping to improve children's quality of life and help build stronger, more resilient communities.

"I'm proud that Breckland, through our Market Towns Initiative and other funding programmes, has been able to support this significant project, and I believe it will leave a lasting positive impact on Attleborough and neighbouring communities for a long time to come."

Breckland Executive Member for Health and Communities, Cllr Tristan Ashby, said: "We're proud to be supporting the Youth Hub through Breckland Council's Inspiring Communities Match Funding. This open day is a fantastic opportunity event for local families to see first-hand the positive impact the club is making for young people in our area. I'd encourage everyone to get involved and find out how this space is helping to build a stronger, more connected community."

Cllr Taila Taylor, Deputy Mayor of Attleborough, said: "I'm so pleased to see this facility open and providing a much-needed resource within the town, offering children and young people a safe space to flourish and supporting SEND families in our community. It's remarkable what can be delivered with partnerships and community backing - the generosity of local businesses has been immense. This is something that Attleborough can be incredibly proud of, and the excitement of the families attending Saturday's open day was very telling in how impactful this project will be."