YMCA Lincolnshire Expands to St. Giles
On Friday 17th January, YMCA Lincolnshire celebrated a monumental moment in its journey by opening the doors of two new capital projects in the St. Giles area of Lincoln that promise to transform the lives of young people and those at risk of homelessness in Lincolnshire: the St. Giles Youth Centre and vital supported accommodation, Sheridan House.
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.
Sheridan House: A New Step for Outreach Accommodation
The Mayor of Lincoln, City Sheriff, Homes England Senior Manager of Affordable Housing Growth, Christine Seaton and YMCA Lincolnshire Trustee, Kerrin Wilson declared Sheridan House officially open in a ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests also had a chance to look inside the brand-new apartments.
With significant support from Homes England, this £2.6 million project sees the transformation of a 1930’s house in the St. Giles area into 16 brand-new, self-contained modern apartments. This new provision provides supported and affordable accommodation for those moving on from our Hostel on a pathway to more independent living.
“Sheridan House is so beautiful! I currently have a studio room in the hostel and am excited to move into an apartment with its own separate kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living area.” – YMCA Lincolnshire Resident
St. Giles Youth Centre: A Space For Empowerment
Following the opening of Sheridan House, guests took a 10 minute walk to the St. Giles Youth Centre, a brand-new facility designed to empower young people by providing a safe, inclusive space for learning, growth, and connection.
In 2023, YMCA Lincolnshire were generously funded £2 million for the redevelopment and refurbishment of St. Giles Community Centre by the UK Government’s Youth Investment Fund - a project which aims to address the undeniable need for youth intervention in the area. Designed 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.”
The event continued with young people and community members alike exploring the vibrant facility (and enjoying 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 Community’s Role
The opening event was not only a celebration of our new facilities but also a recognition of the essential role the local community and partners have played in the success of these initiatives.
We would like to sincerely thank Homes England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Youth Investment Fund for capital funding that made these two projects possible. A huge thanks also goes to additional funders of these projects: Garfield Weston, The Wolfson Foundation, The Clothworkers Foundation, BNA, John Robert Halkes, The Dawber Trust and Co-Op Community Champion Scheme.
Great recognition also goes to Stirlin Developments (Sheridan House), Belvin Construction (Youth Centre), STEM Architects and Thornton Firkin for the construction and redevelopment of these properties.
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.
