Young People

We’re proud to support the young people in our community by providing safe, welcoming spaces where they can be themselves, connect with others, and build lasting friendships. Whether it’s through youth centre, workshops, sports activities, or simply a place to hang out, our services are designed to empower young people, encourage positive social interaction, and help them thrive. We believe every young person deserves to feel heard, supported, and inspired.

Grove Corner Youth Centre

Grove Corner is a safe and inclusive space for those aged 8 to 18 (up to 25 SEND), offering a safe environment to relax, socialise, and participate in various activities and events. It’s a hub where young people can learn, grow and connect with friends or make new ones.

We provide various FREE sessions which young people can attend. We have a fantastic PC gaming suite, a pool table, table football, Oculus Quest VRs, Nintendo Switches, and much more for young people to enjoy.

The Youth Team are keen to hear the voices of young people they work alongside, to ensure that activities they provide at relevant, and meet the needs and interests of the young people who access the service.

Address: 76A High Street North, Dunstable, LU6 1JF
Contact: grovecorner@dunstable.gov.uk  |  01582 891434
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FREE TO ATTEND SESSIONS

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MONDAY DROP-IN

3.45 pm to 5.15 pm
13 to 18 year olds

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TUESDAY Pokémon

5 pm to 6.30 pm
8 to 13 year olds

6.45 pm to 8.15 pm
14 to 18 year olds
(up to 25 SEND)

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WEDNESDAY GAMING

3.30 pm to 5 pm
16 to 18 year olds

5.15 pm to 6.45 pm
13 to 15 year olds

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FRIDAY DROP-IN

4 pm to 5.30 pm
14 to 18 year olds

6 pm to 7.45 pm
10 to 13 year olds

Detached Youth Work

Detached Youth Work is a flexible approach that allows our youth workers to connect with young people where they naturally spend their time, such as recreation grounds, cafés and other hangout spots. Our Detached Youth Team engages with young people aged 11 to 19 (up to 25 SEND), offering a variety of fun activities, support and guidance, aiming to create positive opportunities for young people to grow, learn, and thrive.

This three-year initiative, running until March 2026, has been made possible through funding from Central Bedfordshire Council and Million Hours | The National Lottery Community Fund.

WhatsApp the Detached Youth Team: 07400561496
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Grove Skate Park

Located in the heart of Dunstable, Grove Skate Park is a free to use concrete skate park managed by the Town Council. It’s a welcoming space for skaters, BMX riders, and scooter users of all abilities to have fun, stay active, and build skills.

The park includes a mix of street and transition features from ramps and rails to a large bowl with two hipped speed bowls (one with vert). Whether you’re just starting out or more experienced, there’s something here for everyone.

You’ll find Grove Skate Park just off Court Drive, behind Go Bowling (LU5 4JD). It’s open every day with floodlights on until 10 pm. If you spot any issues, let us know by calling 01582 513000 or emailing info@dunstable.gov.uk.

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Safeguarding for young people

We want all children and young people to feel safe, heard, and supported. Safeguarding is about protecting children and young people from harm and making sure you know where to turn if something’s wrong.

As a child or young person, your voice matters, and you have a right to be involved in decisions that affect you. If you are a child or young person, and you ever feel unsafe, talk to someone you trust — we’re here to help.

Our Team is DBS checked and safeguarding trained, committed to children's safety. The team are required to report any concerns they have and may contact Central Bedfordshire Safeguarding Team or 999 without informing parents/guardians if a child or young person is at immediate risk and by informing the parent or guardian could potentially put a child or young person at further risk.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL):
Paul Hodson – Town Clerk & Chief Executive, 07593 553666
Becky Wisbey – Head of Community Services, 07850 708867

Deputy Leads:
Jack Adams-Rimmer – Senior Neighbourhood Development Officer, 07801 575139
Gill Peck – Youth and Community Manager, 07816 541321

Terms & Conditions:
A sign-up form for Grove Corner is required for all attendees and information is used for club operations and emergencies, and may be shared under the ‘information sharing protocol.’

Allegations of Abuse:
The Town Council must report all forms of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, financial, etc.). Staff may call 999 if a child is in danger.

DSL may not inform parents if doing so could increase risk.

Out-of-Hours Concerns:
Call Social Care: 0300 300 8123
Or dial 999 in emergencies.

Bullying:
Bullying is not tolerated.
All incidents are handled individually to ensure a safe environment.

Useful Contacts:
Childline: 0800 1111, Social Care: 0300 300 8585, Police: 999, NSPCC: www.nspcc.org.uk

Meet your Youth Workers

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Gill Peck

Youth and Community Manager

Gill leads the Youth and Community Team, overseeing all service areas including youth, older people, and community engagement.

Jack Adams-Rimmer

Senior Neighborhood Development Officer

As the Senior Neighborhood Development Officer, Jack collaborates with new and existing community groups, leads various school projects, and organizes activities during school holidays.

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Grant Walpole

Community Service Assistant

Grant has been a part of Grove Corner for over 12 years, progressing from a part-time sessional worker to a full-time Community Service Assistant.

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Paulina Bera

Senior Detached Youth Work Officer

Paulina takes pride in connecting with young people in the spaces they naturally hang out such as streets and parks.

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Lara Tripney

Part time Sessional Youth and Community Worker

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Alaynah Ramzan

Apprentice Youth Worker

Alaynah is a First Apprentice Youth Worker pursuing a university degree to become a professional in the field.

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Rebecca Coppard

Part time Detached Youth Worker

Rebecca is a Detached youth worker for Dunstable Town Council.

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Anya Hazzard-Richards

Part time Detached Youth Worker

Anya is passionate about supporting the next generation and believes everyone should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

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Talk of the Town

A guide to all the events and goings-on in Dunstable