Xtrax Hastings

“Young  people  in  this  town have so much to offer…they just need the right place to get their voices heard….”.  Such is the feeling of the vulnerable young people who make use of the facilities and services provided by the Xtrax charity which serves the Hastings and Rother areas. Alistair Fairley, the Chair of the Board of Trustees told the Rotary Club of Senlac about the aims and work of Xtrax.

Xtrax will try to help young people who encounter problems that they alone cannot overcome; people such as care leavers, homeless, self harmers, drugs and victims of abuse just to name a few. The charity provides a drop-in centre where on some days breakfast and evening meals are provided as well as facilities for socialising and sharing experiences. Showers and laundry are on hand too. Xtrax also has trained counsellors available to offer guidance and advice, particularly in housing and employment. The aims of the charity are to provide a stable environment, improve life skills, increase confidence, increase sign-up education, engage or re-engage employment and break the cycle of poverty.

Since the organization was founded in 1994, an average of 450 people making 6,000 visits a year have made use of the charity and support has been given to over 5,000. Hundreds have been assisted into work and there has been a 66 per cent success rate with education, employment and training. However, like many organizations Xtrax has problems with changing demands, funding and recruitment and the future will always be challenging. “But,” said Alistair, “Given the opportunity these young people are able to make an impact and start a new, rewarding life.”

Rotarian John Relfe gave a vote of thanks and President, Roger Young, handed a donation to Alistair to help the work of the charity.