THE King’s Arms has appointed a new Alton-based services manager to develop youth provision in the area, based on local need.

The appointment of Lisa Hillan cements a three-year initiative, agreed in September (and reported at the time by the Alton Herald) when Alton Town Council’s Community Committee approved a partnership with The King’s Arms through March 2020 to develop a Youth Hub for Alton.

To be based in the Youth Room at Alton Community Centre, Alton Town Council agreed in principle to provide £66,750 over the next three years to kick start the project which will see the engagement of a Kings Arms service manager for Alton who will be paid £20,000 per year.

She will spend 20 hours a week in the town drawing up a strategy, setting up, fund raising and managing the implementation of a youth provision, with support from other local organisations and volunteers who will be trained to provide the service.

An Alton resident for more than years, Lisa has experience as a teacher, attorney, charity trustee and community volunteer and has been working at KA as a volunteer for the last two years.

The proposal by The Kings Arms, a youth work provider set up 18 years ago by Christians in Petersfield, which already has relationships in Alton through its work with young carers, the shared provision of ReMind anxiety courses and the Early Help Hub, is to support the local community in the provision of a youth service custom-designed for Alton and its needs.

Adds KA Operations Manager, Caroline Aeschliman, the staff and volunteers at the King’s Arms have a variety of experience and skills in special needs, autism, young carers, child development, self-harm, mental health, family support and NEET provision.

Alton town clerk Leah Coney said: “The town council is pleased to be able to support the young people of the town and through the financial support pledged, hope that a structured wide-reaching programme for youth can be created and delivered in Alton.”

Joe Kimber, Alton College Student Union vice-president, said: “Many students, parents and councillors have told me about the need for a new youth hub/centre in Alton and the agreement for staff to work at the proposed new site is a step in the right direction.

“It gives me hope to know that students and youngsters from all ages, all schools and all backgrounds will use this facility for many years to come and I do believe that this will help to bring together the youth of Alton collectively and productively.”

A fellow student added: “Young carers have supported me when I really struggled looking after my mum, It’s really exiting to know this will be offered to others. Mandy and the team at the Kings Arms do a wonderful job and it is reassuring to hear that others will have the same support.”