Susie Knights

YMCA Norfolk today received nearly 400 gifts for children and young people through a partnership with Norwich City Football Club and SOUL Church.

The gifts will be distributed to 240 young adults who are provided with a safe home each night across the county as well as the children of single parent families and children on the edge of care or receiving intensive support by the YMCA Families Team.

Jason Overman, an Engagement Worker at Norwich Central which house 34 young people in its assessment centre said:

“These donations make a huge difference, the generosity of everyone who has donated goes a long way to show the kindness at the heart of our community towards our young people. I remember a moment last Christmas, when a small donation made a young person’s face light up when they realised that the gift was for them. I am excited to see the impact that these amazing gifts from the WONDER TREE will make this year.

Tim Sweeting, YMCA Norfolk CEO, said:

“We are so grateful to the staff of Norwich City Football club and the congregation of SOUL Church in donating so many amazing gifts that will enable us to support young people and families at a time that is often very difficult and distressing.

“As a youth charity that is in the business of hope, we want to ensure that we can offer hope to children and young people; helping them to have a fantastic Christmas and this partnership will certainly enable us to achieve this.”

Zoe Ward, Business and Project Director for the Canaries previously commented:

“Norwich City Football Club is really pleased to support such a special initiative that will help make a difference to families within our community.

Jon Norman, Lead Pastor of SOUL Church, said:

“The Wonder Tree is all about placing dignity on families who are struggling at Christmas and we are honoured to be partnering with Norwich City Football Club and the YMCA. Together we’re stronger!”

The gifts will be distributed over the Christmas period along with social events, games and fun activities to truly help make this Christmas a WONDERfull time of the year!

For more information contact Tim Sweeting – tim.sweeting@ymcanorfolk.org 01603 621263

YMCA RELEASES DETAILS OF EXCITING £2M COMMUNITY HUB CONFIRMED FOR 2020 

Jubilee Hall on Aylsham Road in Norwich is set to become an exciting Community Hub run by YMCA Norfolk.

The newly refurbished centre will be open to all the local community to enjoy and will offer a range of services with a particular focus on families, including a day care nursery, café and soft play centre for 0-11 year olds.

The development will also see the YMCA move their offices to the site as part of a long-term commitment to the area. As a local charity, YMCA Norfolk will be investing money made from providing these services back into local community provision to reduce dependence on public funding that is becoming ever more scarce.

Tim Sweeting, YMCA Norfolk chief executive, said:

“We are really excited to be announcing our plans to invest £2m in the future of this part of Norwich. This high-quality development offers a range of services that will enable us to bring local people together and develop more opportunities for them to fulfil their potential. As an organisation founded in Norfolk in 1856, we are committed to strengthening communities over the long-term and believe that the provision of education, employment, positive activities and leisure space will really make a difference.”

The refurbishment cost is estimated at £2m.  The Lind Trust have kindly donated the building and £500k towards the cost of the refurbishment work.

Norfolk County Council has awarded £200k to the project, in recognition of the huge community benefit that will be sustained over the many years of its operation. The funding was agreed in February 2018, as part of the council’s capital programme.

The YMCA will be undertaking a fundraising campaign to raise £800,000 towards the remaining costs.

Cllr John Fisher, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council said: “This investment will support the YMCA to bring this centre back into community use, providing nursery places and activities that families can enjoy together.

“It will also complement our new Early Childhood and Family Service, which aims to bring services for families with young children out into local community buildings.

“We’re making a capital grant available as part of that service, so we hope to be able to support the development of more small community led projects for families.”

Lord Dannatt, President of YMCA Norfolk said: “I am delighted that the YMCA has seized this opportunity to invest in the lives of people in the Aylsham Road area.  With the support of the Lind Trust, Norfolk County Council and trusts, foundations and generous individuals I am sure we will be able to raise all the necessary money to complete this project next year.  I much look forward to the re-opening in 2020.”

The Jubilee Centre was purchased in 2015 by the Lind Trust. It had previously been owned by the Royal British Legion.

The Jubilee Centre has since sat dormant and has been targeted by thieves who have stolen lead from the roof and internal fittings and fixtures while vandals have forced their way into the empty property and caused further damage. The YMCA took responsibility for the building in November 2017 and have been working hard to develop a robust business plan that will see sustained delivery of local community services for many years to come.

In support of the development, a fundraising appeal has been launched to raise the funds to make this scheme a reality.

RFT Services have already got involved in providing support, as last week their grounds maintenance team have been busy clearing years of overgrown grounds to give the site a fresh and welcoming appearance. [Photo attached]. Warren Gannaway, Operations Director of RFT said:

“We recognise the great work that the YMCA are doing within Norfolk. The redevelopment of the community hub in the north of Norwich is a hugely important project that will have a positive impact on the wider community.

In order for us to solve the housing crisis in the East of England, we need to continue to partner with charities that help deliver opportunities within our communities and support our purpose in providing homes for people in need.”

Tim Sweeting said: “We are grateful to RFT Services for helping us signal to the community that we will soon be open for business and would love to hear from other individuals and businesses that could give financial and practical help to take the refurbishment forward”

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