Young people are living the high life in Coventry

The Highlife Centre, based in a deprived and multi-cultural part of Coventry, wants every young person to have access to the support and resources they need to grow in confidence and thrive. The Highlife Centre believes in empowering young people to develop leadership skills, helping them to articulate their voices and to become role models and an inspiration to the younger generation. They offer young people a wide range of activities including a youth club, revision hub, peer mentoring, leadership development and “no limits” sessions to help young people grow in confidence.

The Highlife Centre was set up by CEO Christabell Amoakoh, who had a vision of creating a welcoming environment that removes life-improving barriers for people from disadvantaged and minoritized groups to improve their productivity and self-worth.

A warm, welcoming and inclusive space

In late 2023, the Highlife Centre was awarded a Youth Investment Fund grant of over £432K to modernise, refurbish and expand its community centre and youth offer. The funding, together with a blended finance package from Social Investment Business, has transformed their space into an open, airy, welcoming, warm and inclusive space that everyone loves. Before receiving the funding, the building was damp, the roof leaked, the floor was falling apart, and it was overcrowded. It wasn’t a good environment to work in and wasn’t a welcoming space for young people.

Whilst the Youth Investment Fund paved the way for their capital project, Flexible Finance, and a Recovery Loan from Social Investment Business, has completely transformed The Highlife Centre’s business offer. The additional support has enabled the Highlife Centre to build its long-term financial resilience and growth and maximise its potential.

CEO Christabell Amoakoh said, “We really needed help, and we thank the Youth Investment Fund for making it happen.”

The funding package has enabled the Highlife Centre to refurbish the space and carry out urgent repairs and create additional space for young people and the wider community. It’s enabled the centre to enhance their environmental sustainability and establish micro businesses to build financial resilience. The Highlife Centre was also awarded a grant of over £41K from West Midland Combined Authority to pay for additional fixtures, fittings and furniture.

Enriching young people’s lives

With building works complete, the centre now offers young people professional facilities, a hair and beauty salon, a music room, podcasting facilities, drama and performance space, and an IT suite.

“Young people love the new look of the space, especially the music studio. It just looks like there’s more love to the space now. Which you can really see when young people come in. The kitchen is a big plus too.” adds Lily Smith, Project Lead for the Highlife Centre.”

The funding has created a welcoming and open space, inside and outdoors. Some of the new features include:

• New roof and solar panels
• New insulation, rewiring, and all the old gas radiators have been replaced with electric heating, plus LED lighting throughout.
• Greater security with fire and intruder alarms and CCTV
• Internal and external partitioning.
• New kitchens, new hair and beauty salon and office spaces.
• New flooring
• Accessible toilets
• Painting and decorating throughout.
• Fenced garden, landscaping and a sensory garden.
• New café, performance space, music studio, vocal booth and podcasting facilities.