Harriet King

The SOS Bus (a service by Project Safe Haven and led by YMCA Norfolk) is back up and running with the support of King Lynn Borough Council and East Anglian discount retailer QD – QualityDiscounts.com. The bus – which had tried to upkeep the service despite a six month period without electric – lost their long-term suppliers and was in desperate need of a provider.

 “The SOS bus sadly lost their long-term supply from Cashino, who have supported us for many years previous. This resulted in the SOS being unable to supply a full service and meant working in undesirable conditions. The SOS team tried numerous options including a generator, feeding a supply from local venues, taking a feed from current street lighting and repositioning the trailer. However, sadly none of these were possible.”

“The SOS team thought every avenue had been explored until QD’s head office kindly offered to put in an electric supply directly to the outside of their retail store on Norfolk Street in Kings Lynn and continue to support us by covering our electric use for the future; which as a result has meant the service can fully resume.

“YMCA Norfolk would like to say a massive thanks to QD and all those who have supported us and tried to help during this very challenging time. Also a massive thanks to all the volunteers who continued to work every weekend to provide a service to those within the night-time economy despite these challenges especially through the winter months.” – Nadine Mallett, West Norfolk Localities Manager, YMCA Norfolk

Paul Lemmon, Store Development Manager for QD, said: “Project Safe Haven provides an invaluable service in Kings Lynn and, as a local business with a store in the town, we were only too pleased to be able to help. We have installed a permanent electricity supply from our store which means that the SOS Bus can carry on its fantastic work without the worry and cost of having power.”

Project Safe Haven is a multi-agency initiative which is operating every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm until late within the night-time economy of Kings Lynn town centre. We offer a variety of services and support by working in conjunction with local agencies. This enables us to offer help and advice to any individual presenting in crisis or needing assistance. The SOS unit is located in Kings Lynn town centre, in a prime location within the night-time economy. For more information on the projects services, please click here.

YMCA Norfolk held its annual celebration ball on Friday at Wensum Valley Hotel and Golf Club, raising a staggering £7,500 for the organisation, its young people and services.

Staff, friends and supporters attended the black-tie event, where YMCA Norfolk young people spoke about their inspiring journeys with the organisation and opened-up about their hope-filled futures.

Anglia Picture Perfect provided a photo booth with props to dress up with, while Norfolk-Based band The Wapscallions had the crowd dancing to well-loved hits including, of course, the YMCA. The evening’s entertainment also included close up magic tricks from magician Mark Daynes.

The evening was sponsored by Clear Consulting and Design, KGB Heating, Norwich Electrical and US2U Consulting who helped to support reception drinks, entertainer, the photo booth and the raffle.

Judy Bailey, YMCA Norfolk Events and Fundraising Officer, said: “Guests were able to enjoy drinks on the terrace in the evening sunshine, be amazed by the magician, have fun on the photo booth, tuck in to a delicious meal and then dance the night away.

“Thanks to everyone who attended, supported and donated and to our sponsors Clear Consulting & Design Ltd, KGB Commercial Heating, Norwich Electrical and US2U Consulting as well as our Young People who had the courage to stand up and tell people their personal stories.”

Keep up to date with YMCA Norfolk’s events calendar here and keep an eye on our social media pages for upcoming events across the organisation.

YWCA Kenya have thanked YMCA Norfolk for their donation and support in recognition of World Menstrual Day 2019.

Young people and staff at YMCA Norfolk raised funds in the recent months through street collections and selling hand-made items created by YMCA Norfolk young people, in addition to the donations of YMCA Norfolk supporters.

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