The Youth Investment Fund does what it says, it is investing in our youth. Never in a million years did I think we would have money to invest in our vision
16 December 2024
The Boyzee: A lifeforce for young people
Halewood Youth and Community Centre, affectionately known as the Boyzee, is one of two Knowsley community youth centres that celebrated a major renovation in the summer of 2024. Both youth centres were funded by the Youth Investment Fund via a grant to Knowsley Council.
Film-makers, Heyday UK, went along to the Boyzee to capture the impact their Youth Investment Fund on the young people who love the Boyzee.
In the film you will meet Dawn Corrie, one of the Boyzee’s staff team. Dawn says:
“The Boyzee is at the heart of the community. Everyone in Halewood knows the Boyzee, and everyone has a bit of the Boyzee in them.”
Before accessing the Youth Investment Fund grant, the Boyzee community centre was in a shocking state. It was cold, and the roof leaked. As one of the young people said:
“The club would get shut down constantly because of all the leaks in the ceiling. When it got shut down, we would be stuck at home or out on the streets.”
The Boyzee received more than £700,000 to replace their roof, upgrade heating and ventilation systems and replace the entrance doors. The extensive renovations have helped the Boyzee reach even more young people. The funding has transformed their youth hub into a colourful, welcoming, and vibrant place where young people can have fun, enjoy being with their friends, discover their passions and get the support they need to thrive. Since the Boyzee reopened in the summer, they have tripled the number of young people enjoying the space.
One of the youth team describes the Boyzee as the ‘lifeforce for children and young people in the community’.
Watching the film, you quickly see that the youth centre is there for the lifetime. Those that enjoyed it as young people are now bringing their children to experience the joy and difference it makes.
15-year-old Libby has been coming the centre since she was three months old. Libby and her three sisters are regulars now.
“It’s the only open space we’ve got to come into. Especially for us older ones. “
Other young people say:
“It just brings everyone together, creating friendships. I’ve got so many friends that will last a lifetime.”
“I love the Boyzee!”
“It’s brought a new life to the club and will bring so many new young people.”
Dawn Corrie says that they would not have been able to benefit from the fund without the support of Knowsley Council.
“As a small organisation we could not have done it on our own. The Youth Investment Fund does what it says, it is investing in our youth. Never in a million years did I think we would have money to invest in our vision.”
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