The Sylvia Beaufoy Centre is the legacy of Sylvia Beaufoy, a resident of Petworth. She formed the Petworth Youth Association as a charitable trust in 1962 to provide a much-needed facility in a rural area where young people could meet. Sylvia Beaufoy worked for many years during her life to provide enriching activities for young people and to help them overcome difficulties and reach their full potential.
The Centre, which is completely self-funded, currently offers a range of open-access positive activities over five days each week and during school holidays, for young people aged 9 to 19. Sessions are arranged taking account of the needs and interests of the young people who attend the Centre from Petworth and the surrounding area. We aim to give opportunities to all young people, to gain informal learning qualifications and skills for living.

 

Our youth workers bring information, support and guidance through a mix of drop-in sessions and targeted projects. Our clubs offer a much needed, inclusive, safe space where young people can spend time in a positive way, be part of a wider community of peers and supportive adults and find help when needed. At a time when many families are economically challenged, the Centre provides equal opportunity to access activities. Throughout, there is a strong focus on fostering positive relationships with and among young people, and building a sense of community and belonging. 

 

At the SBC, we are very proud of the talented young people in our area. They constantly amaze us with the skills, creativity and resilience they develop in the achievement of their goals and how they overcome personal challenges. We are equally proud of the many highly gifted youth workers and volunteers who have been part of the work of the Centre over many years.