Life was different. . .

Clubs for Young People traces its history back to 1940.

Life was different. The second world war was on and we were a male only organisation. That seems strange now, but that’s the way it was.

Back in the 1940′s and 1950′s few people had phones or cars and TV was a dream for most people. Food was rationed until 1953, supermarkets and fast food outlets didn’t exist and electricity was a novelty.

Today we have PCs, CDs, DVDs laptops, email, mobiles, texting, MP3s, i-pods, mini-discs, computer games, the Internet, broadband and virtual reality.

We take them for granted but the terminology and technology would have been beyond the comprehension and imagination of young people – and all people -  in the 1940′s, 50′s, 60′s and later.

Over the years we’ve changed too.

We’ve had different names, including Boys’ & Girls’  Club of NI. The activities we organise, the facilities we provide and the services we offer move with the interests and needs of young people and our member organisations. Our offices have been in different places and along the way there have been good and difficult times.

Some things shouldn’t change…

But there’s been a consistent theme.

Clubs for Young People focuses on young people and those who work with them.

Often, we open doors to disadvantaged individuals and groups.

Ultimately, we encourage young people to realise their potential and develop as positive, responsible members of society.

Time and technology won’t change this.