AFC Totton
We at AFC Totton were very sad to hear that this has happened to our friends at Youth Options. If anyone can help, then please make contact with them...
Hannah Foden, a fundraiser for Youth Options, writes:
"I'm writing to you today to share with great sadness that Youth Options much-loved woodland preschool, Little Owls, has suffered considerable damage following an arson incident on Wednesday night (19th March 2025).
The fire has destroyed the wooden classroom, furniture, toys and woodland tools at the pre-school which provides education to 42 children a week. Located at Itchen Valley Country Park, the pre-school offered children the chance to explore, learn, and connect with nature. The devastating incident has left our children, families and staff team heartbroken as they face the loss of an educational space that provided children with a unique opportunity to grow and develop through outdoor play and exploration.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the fire following a call from a member of the public shortly after 7pm on Wednesday night, but the damage has been considerable with a number of other outbuildings containing woodland tools and toys used by the children also broken into and damaged. The preschool has been unable to operate in its current state. Police are actively investigating the incident, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Madeleine Durie our CEO has issued the following statement: "This senseless act has robbed young children of a safe and inspiring space where they could learn and grow. Little Owls Preschool is more than just a place of education - it is a sanctuary where children build confidence, curiosity, and a love for the natural world. The impact of this fire reaches far beyond the physical damage; it has deeply affected the children, families, and staff who cherish this unique learning environment. Youth Options is determined to rebuild, but community support is crucial to making that happen."
Youth Options is calling on the community, local businesses, and supporters to help raise funds to rebuild and restore the preschool as quickly as possible.
Ways that you can Help:
- Share the appeal with any interested colleagues, friends, family, and local businesses to raise awareness.
- Donate now at YouthOptions.org.uk/support-us/donate/
- Encourage anyone with information about the crime to contact police on 101. The reference number is 44250121205.
Thank you for any help that you can give us. We really appreciate your support for Youth Options and the children and families we work with."
You can email Youth Options via [email protected]
