History

The Belfast Activity Centre Open Award Centre was launched in 1989. It was one of the first programmes of its type in the UK. The concept was to provide a neutral venue which was based in a central location and could facilitate unattached young people who wanted to take up the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, but did not have the necessary support to do so.

The "Open Night" was established in the YMCA in Wellington Place as this venue was only one bus journey from anywhere in the city. On its first night in 1989 six young people attended now 17 years on, the average attendance is over 50 a night. The Open Award is now based at BAC's new premises, Barnett's Stable Yard in the heart of Barnett Demesne and runs from 6pm - 8pm.

The Open nights are run totally by volunteers. Some of these volunteers are members of the full-time staff team who give up their own time to help out. On average 15 volunteers assist with the work of the Open Award Centre. Our volunteer team have a wide range of skills and qualifications, many of them take on additional training through our Volunteer Development Programme. All of our volunteers are vetted under our child protection policy and all take part in induction and health and safety training.

Costs for young people attending the Open Award Centre are kept to a minimum. Outdoor equipment and transport are supplied by the centre. Each year we ask the young people to get involved in fundraising as it costs in excess of £5,000 a year to keep the open nights running.