At the Full Council meeting in December 2025, councillors agreed to continue Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with both Eden Valley Museum and HOUSE, recognising the important role both organisations play in the life of the town.
Members unanimously approved an increase to the SLA with HOUSE, supporting the continuation of its youth services. The annual grant will rise from £9,000 to £13,500 for 2026–27, helping to maintain staffing levels and ensure vital services can continue.
Edenbridge HOUSE provides a safe, welcoming space for young people to socialise, have fun, and access information, advice and support on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues. The service is free, fully inclusive and accessible to all young people aged 11–19, or up to 25 for those with learning disabilities.
The project delivers:
- Open access youth sessions on three evenings each week for 48 weeks of the year (144 sessions in total), with each session lasting three hours.
- Weekly detached evening youth sessions, delivered in partnership with Eden Christian Trust, engaging young people in public spaces such as parks, streets and housing estates, particularly those who may not access traditional youth services.
The total cost of delivering the service is £73,620.
Councillors noted that securing external funding for youth services has become increasingly difficult. Kent County Council decommissioned all voluntary sector youth services in 2024, and increased competition for charitable and lottery funding has led to reduced success rates. Funding bids for youth projects were turned down last year by both the National Lottery Community Fund and BBC Children in Need.
Members recognised the significant value Edenbridge HOUSE provides to young people in the town and agreed that the increased SLA would help ensure the continuation of weekly detached youth work and three weekly youth clubs. This commitment to you young people is in addition to the Summer Family Fun Days, which the Council budgets £3,000 for.
The Council also confirmed its commitment to Eden Valley Museum, agreeing to continue the SLA with a £6,500 grant in recognition of the museum’s cultural, educational and community value. Last year the Council also agreed a new 25-year lease of Church House to the museum.
Edenbridge Town Council remains committed to supporting services that benefit residents and strengthen the community, particularly those that support young people and preserve local heritage.