Young people across St Giles in Lincolnshire have a vibrant new Youth Centre

YMCA Lincolnshire’s newly redeveloped St Giles Youth Centre has opened its door to young people.

The modern and colourful new building opened on 17 January as part of a double celebration of their new Youth Centre and Sheridan House, a new supported accommodation facility for those moving on from their hostel on a pathway to more independent living.

Community leaders including MP, Hamish Falconer, the Mayor of Lincoln, and City Sheriff joined YMCA Lincolnshire trustees and colleagues  for a day filled with excitement, inspiration, and a shared sense of purpose. Surrounded by the brand-new, built-for-purpose facilities, attendees could feel the energy and positive potential of projects designed with both care and vision.

Back in 2023, YMCA Lincolnshire was generously funded by a £2M Youth Investment Fund grant for the redevelopment and refurbishment of St. Giles Community Centre. The grant enabled YMCA Lincolnshire to offer young people more opportunities to foster personal growth, education, and wellbeing, St. Giles Youth Centre aims to be a safe space for young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Before cutting the ribbon in the official opening ceremony alongside YMCA Lincolnshire Trustee, Kerrin Wilson and young people of St. Giles Academy, MP, Hamish Falconer said:

“It’s so important that there are provisions for young people so that they can find, they can grow,  and they can get the experiences that they need to become the great young people that I know they will be.”

Young people and community members joined together to explore the vibrant facility and enjoyed some healthy competition with a basketball shoot-out! This youth centre will soon become a home for youth activities, personal development, and creativity that young people can call their own.

The opening event was not only a celebration of the new facilities but also a recognition of the essential role the local community and partners have played in the success of these initiatives.

Looking to the Future

As the event drew to a close, there was a strong sense of optimism about the future. The opening of both St. Giles Youth Centre and Sheridan House marks a pivotal moment in YMCA Lincolnshire’s mission to provide people of Lincolnshire with the resources, care, and opportunities they need to thrive.

With the continued support of the community, these initiatives are set to have a lasting impact on the lives of many people, helping them to overcome challenges, unlock their potential, build a brighter future.

And so, as the laughter of young people filled the halls of the new centre and the warmth of the community resonated throughout, YMCA Lincolnshire embarked on a new chapter – one that will undoubtedly continue to uplift and empower those most at need in Lincoln.