13 February 2026

Youth clubs across East Cleveland have been handed a welcome boost after new Government funding is being awarded to the Labour Council to kit out centres with modern equipment and facilities.

Sites in Guisborough, Loftus, Skelton and Lingdale are among those benefiting, with more than £60,000 invested in new furniture and audio-visual kit, alongside further funding for outdoor play equipment. The cash comes from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Better Youth Spaces programme, secured following bids from Redcar & Cleveland Council.

The upgrades mean young people will have access to cleaner, more modern spaces, with better activities on offer – from new tech to improved social areas. In Guisborough, work is also underway to make the youth centre more accessible for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, opening it up to more families across the area.

The move is expected to help boost attendance and give young people more to do locally, something many families say has been missing for too long.

Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said:

“For years, people have told me there’s just not enough for young people to do locally. That’s when problems start. This funding means better youth clubs, proper equipment, and safe places where young people can spend their time, build confidence and stay out of trouble.

“It’s a step in the right direction – but we need to keep going and make sure every community has somewhere young people actually want to be.”

Cabinet Member for Children, Cllr Bill Suthers, said:

“This funding will help to improve outcomes for young people by improving the range of activities we can deliver, and increasing the number of young people our Youth Service can reach.

“Young people will be able to attend modern, attractive youth centres, and take part in activities that interest them, contribute to their development and improve their future prospects.”