A YOUTH project which received £30,000 council cash is under threat less than three months after it opened.

Crime reduction charity Nacro opened the hospitality and media centre, which includes a kitchen, cafe and media suit, at the Lion Works site in Wallisdown Road in April this year after receiving a £30,000 grant from the Bournemouth and Poole’s 14-19 team.

But it has now emerged that the project is already under threat due to lack of uptake. In a statement to the Daily Echo, Nacro revealed there had been “a significant shortfall” in the numbers being referred to it.

It added: “This has put Nacro in a very difficult financial position and our learning centres have been subject to continuous performance management over the last few months.”

The Poole centre, and another in Bridport, were now “subject to staff consultation and possible closure” although the charity is working with local staff on upping occupancy, and is in discussions with the local authorities in a bid to keep the centres open.

The statement added: “We would not want to prejudge the outcome of our staff consultation. However, as part of our strategic planning we are simultaneously preparing for the transfer or closure of those services. Importantly, this includes the need to ensure that learners at our centres are able to continue their education.”

Caroline Foster, 14-19 team strategic leader for Bournemouth and Poole, said they were “very keen” to retain the service and had been assured by the charity “that closing would be a last resort”.

She added: “Partners are still being encouraged to make referrals for appropriate young people into the programme and Nacro have assured us that current learners will see their course arrangements honoured regardless of the outcome.

“We will continue to work with Nacro and provide any assistance we can in terms of helping to increase take up of this valuable service.”

Funding given

The Bournemouth and Poole 14-19 Team provided funding to Nacro as part of their initiative to fund projects to increase participation in education in preparation for raising the participation age to 18.


The service is open to anyone aged 16 to 18 and not in employment, education or training. It offers qualifications and job-seeking skills such as interview training.


Nacro’s application for funding to build a media suite and cafe was among the successful candidates and therefore received a one-off grant of £30,000 plus VAT.


In its bid, Nacro pledged to provide training in hospitality, catering, retail and media and increase independent living skills for vulnerable groups such as those with learning difficulties and young parents.


The final decision as to whether Nacro withdraw from the Lionworks site will be made by the charity.