YMCA Lincolnshire

Leo Copsey, Youth Services Manager at YMCA Lincolnshire, reflects on the Youth Investment Fund and says the project’s biggest success has been welcoming 300 young people through their doors each week. Before the funding, the building they inherited was inaccessible and outdated in many ways.

The biggest challenge was demolishing the old building while reassuring young people and the wider community that they were not losing a vital service. Strategic communication with stakeholders was essential.

Leo adds that the funding also enabled them to build new community partnerships, which have paid dividends. In summary, his advice is: “Be positive, make friends and enjoy it.”