'Devastating blow' as Norwich's Open Youth Trust announces closure

A charity in Norwich which supports young people has made the "devastating decision" to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The OPEN Youth Trust has gone into liquidation after an unsuccessful fight to secure the funding needed to survive.

The Trust has been running for 15 years with the aim of making a difference to the lives of young people in Norfolk, including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Its city-centre venue has entertained thousands over the years through gigs, shows, festivals and award nights - all of which were put on hold by its forced closure because of the lockdown.

The Trust said a grant to fund its projects had been refused and liquidation was "unavoidable".

Chief executive Laura Rycroft said it is a "devastating blow" not only for the staff but the young people that benefited from their programmes and activities.

Russell Dacre, the chair of trustees, said the charity had "fought year on year, month on month, to make ends meet."

"Unfortunately for OPEN this drastic situation has become the finishing blow for us”, he said.

“Whilst this is the end of a 15-year journey, I’m very proud of the wide-ranging benefit OPEN has delivered to many thousands of children, young people and families.

"I will remember the stories forever of the individual young people who expressed their gratitude for the sense of safety, family and support that they received from the team at OPEN when they needed it most."