Hi, our names are Layton and Gemma we voluntarily run Markham Youth Group. We have come up against a big challenge to continue running the group. We kindly ask you to read our story.

It is with great sadness, we are letting everybody know that we have been asked to leave the premises of Markham Congregational Chapel (Markham Youth Group).

Rev Nick Holloway does not feel our youth group is fit for purpose at Markham Congregational Chapel, due to us being a non-christian group.

We believe Nick has been discriminative towards us.

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination based on religion or belief, including lack of belief. This includes direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. The Act also protects individuals from discrimination based on their perceived religion or belief.

Although Markham Congregational Chapel receive support and advice from the Congregational federation, Markham Congregational Chapel exists in its own entity, (not part of a bigger organisation) we have nobody to take our complaint further to.This is why we are forced to move to a new premises.

We sincerely thank Markham Miner’s Institute (Welfare Scheme) for allowing us to have the option of using their premises from September onwards, a premises of which (with support/funding) can suit us financially and practically long-term. We are hoping to raise as much money as we can, to ensure our group continues to run, and we hope we can get the community backing behind us, to support our children and young people. This reminds us all, that the most important part of community is WORKING TOGETHER, to better everybody. Selfishness, to suit one’s own mindset, gets our community nowhere.

We kindly thank you for you to visiting our go fund me page. Any contribution is greatfully recieved and will benefit our group.

please view our facebook page to see the much needed community work we carry out.

https://www.facebook.com/salvagedcreationswales