The Lowdown reopens its vibrant youth space after a major renovation

Based in the heart of Northampton, The Lowdown offers a caring environment where young people are always supported on their journey towards positive emotional health and wellbeing. It’s a mental health charity, providing free and confidential support services for 8- 25-year-olds across Northamptonshire.

A new Youth Advisory Board

The Lowdown was awarded a Youth Investment Fund grant of nearly £1.3M in early 2023. The grant enabled them to embark on a rollercoaster journey, transforming their listed building in the centre of Northampton. As well as funding a major renovation and two-storey extension, the grant has enabled the charity to grow its youth services and helped them to establish a new Youth Advisory Board.

A grand reopening event

The Lowdown re-opened on 11th January 2025. All the services that had been operating elsewhere during the building work phase are now reunited in their exciting new building. Young people have already had a sneak preview and explored the new space ahead of a grand opening event on Thursday 23rd January. The Lowdown team invited young people, staff, partners and funders to a very special unveiling event.

Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire James Saunders Watson had the honour of officially opening the Lowdown’s transformed youth space alongside members of the Youth Advisory Board. Over 80 individuals gathered for the moment, listening to the inspiring speeches and performances, and enjoying a tour of the new space. Sharon Womersley, CEO for The Lowdown, and Stephen Edmonds, Chair of Trustees, shared their reflections on The Lowdown’s journey and all that has been achieved.

The Lowdown’s own choir sang True Colours, written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, and made famous by Cyndi Lauper. One of the young people followed with an emotional rendition of Nessun Dorma. Young people also spoke about what this project means for them and how they have been involved in the development of the building and new services. James Young, one of the Lowdown’s counsellors, wrote a poem about their journey in creating the new space, this was read by Ellie White Fundraising and Marketing Manager.”

Sharon Womersley added:

“And it’s far more than just bricks and mortar, the funding has enabled us to create a lasting legacy for young people in Northamptonshire for many generations to come. Vitally it’s made our space accessible and open, and the extended modern youth space means we can support so many more young people.”

The Lowdown’s transformation

The Youth Investment Fund has enabled The Lowdown to modernise, extend and open up its space, make the building accessible and improve its sustainability. Some of the new features include:

• A new two storey extension built on some wasteland next to the original building.
• Major renovation of the existing building, including redecoration. One of the key changes included rebuilding the toilet facilities and opening up the space around them. They now have accessible, modern and gender-neutral toilets.
• A new dedicated entrance for young people, and a separate entrance for staff and visitors, which means young people have more space that’s just for them.
• A beautifully decorated young people’s waiting area, showcasing artwork created by young people.
• New counselling and consultation rooms.
• New office spaces for The Lowdown team.

Know us before you need us

Along with funding the building work, the Youth Investment Fund has helped The Lowdown to grow its youth services, establish a new Youth Advisory Board and helped them to reach a more diverse group of young people. The charity has a bold ambition to be on every young person’s radar – their strapline is “Know us before you need us.” Their funded youth access and engagement worker has been busy engaging with external partners and young people of different backgrounds, cultures and faiths. They want to break down barriers and improve accessibility to their building and services. Youth voice has played a major role in the new building and services, their views and needs have been at the forefront of the building design and decoration.

Reflections from The Lowdown team

“I like the fact the young people have their own entrance and waiting room and it’s much more accessible for all.”

“I love that there are more rooms, meaning that The Lowdown can help support even more young people and a bonus of all is that the services and team are back together.”

“It’s so fresh and new yet still has the beauty and comfort of all those years of service for the young people of Northampton.”

An excerpt of James Young’s poem about The Lowdown’s journey

“I am The Lowdown; how do you do?
I am a charity caring for you
Plenty of sorrow, grief and don’t forget smiles
Our management crew, our funders have navigated us for miles
Blood, sweat and tears, generosity given
The young people of Northamptonshire we’re positively driven.
We are The Lowdown, standing so tall
We are the people who help you up when you stumble and fall
I am The Lowdown, more than just bricks and mortar
We’re the loving spirit for your son and your daughter.”

You can find out more about The Lowdown here.