Progress on Exciting New Youth Centre
A Space for Creativity, Connection, and Community
YMCA Newcastle have been providing support to the Walker Community from its centre on Welbeck Road for 30 years. This year, with funding from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund, the building has been extended, remodelled inside and completely refurbished.
Located at 633 Welbeck Road, this three-storey facility will provide a safe, inspiring space where young people can connect, learn, and have fun! The centre has been designed with the aim of creating an environment that is welcoming, empowering, and full of opportunities.
What’s Inside the Centre?
The facility boasts a wide range of spaces designed to cater to a variety of interests and promote wellbeing, such as:
- A multi-use room ideal for dance sessions and fitness activities, providing an energetic space for young people to stay active.
- A music/E-sports room with multiple gaming consoles providing comfortable indoor entertainment.
- A well-being room
- A space for craft and creative arts activities
- A private space
- A small kitchen that will be able to provide for anyone attending.
Activities for Everyone!
This new social hub will offer a wide array of structured activities to engage youth of all interests. Some of the frequently planned sessions include:
- Gaming & E-Sports
- Arts & Crafts
- Dance Workshops
- Fitness Classes
- Health & Beauty Sessions
- Mental Health & Mindfulness Activities
- Homework Club
- LGBTQ+ and Allies Support Groups
- C-Card & Sexual Health Services
In addition, the charity will continue to run its successful Outreach Project, meaning young people will still have access to exciting trips and opportunities outside of the centre.
Community Opening Celebration
To mark the launch, the centre will be hosting an opening day where youth in the community and the local youth workers will be warmly invited (and strongly encouraged!) to come along and explore the space. It will be a fantastic opportunity for young people to meet staff, familiarise themselves with the centre, and hear first-hand about the most up-to-date plans and activities.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a young person looking to join or a parent wanting to learn more, make sure you keep checking in with our future newsletters for more information about the new centre (most notably, when it’s opening!) along with all our other exciting plans for the summer.
WoW Week!
WoW (workers of walker) Week is the first of many rich and active weeks during the summer, going every day from 12-3pm from July 21st-25th across 2 locations (Stotts Park 21st-22nd, Walker Park 23rd-25th).
Activities will include:
Stotts Park, 21st: Rock Painting
Stotts Park, 22nd: Slime Making
Walker Park, 23rd: Rounders
Walker Park, 24th: Bracelet Making
Walker Park, 25th: Obstacle Course
Don’t Miss Out!
We will be releasing a separate article on our website shortly detailing all the amazing activities that you can be a part of over the summer. With such a huge variety, we can guarantee that there’ll be something for every young person. Keep checking back in so you know how to get involved!
Staff Spotlight: A Farewell to Nick
This week, we bid farewell to Nick – a valued member of our team who has been with YMCA Newcastle for nearly 5 years. As they prepare to move on to new opportunities, we will reflect on their journey, their impact, and gather useful and touching insight into working at the YMCA.
“My official job title is Business Administrator. My role involves a bit of everything behind the scenes – from managing systems and processing bills and invoices to supporting project delivery and keeping things running smoothly”
“I enjoy the variety – no two days are the same. But more than that, I love being part of something that makes a difference.”
When asked about their proudest accomplishments, they highlighted both personal growth and their contribution to key projects:
“I’ve supported the successful delivery of several funded projects by helping with reporting and admin requirements. I’ve also gained a qualification during my time here, which has really helped me grow in the role.”
Beyond those work-based achievements, Nick also stated that he took great value and learning experience in working alongside the young people we serve:
“Working around young people has shown me how important it is to listen without judgment and to meet them where they’re at – they bring fresh perspectives and challenge assumptions just by being themselves. It’s rewarding and keeps me grounded.”
“The everyday silliness and fun that comes with being around young people. It catches you in the moment and reminds you – this is what it’s all about.”
Following on from this strong sense of learning from the young people, we asked Nick if a young person has ever changed his perspective on something:
“Absolutely. I’ve come to realise that young people are under a lot more pressure than we often give them credit for – especially with things like front-facing cameras and the constant pressure to document their lives. There’s this ever-present feeling of being watched or judged. That really hit me, and honestly, I think it’s quite sad.”
As someone who has worked very closely with young people and clearly cares for their wellbeing, we also asked Nick about the challenges facing young people today, and what he believes is most needed:
“They need support, a sense of opportunity, and spaces where they feel safe and valued – without the pressure of being seen as just a number or needing to ‘hit an outcome.'”
Reflecting on their time at YMCA Newcastle, they spoke in pride of how far they’ve come:
“I’m proud of the growth I’ve made – both professionally and personally. Having the opportunity to work with so many different people, from different backgrounds, across various projects and programmes, has helped me develop and gain confidence in myself and my abilities.”
And that growth extends beyond technical skills – Nick spoke about what he has gained from working with the YMCA, and how it will help him in his future careers:
“I’ve learned that the work you do means more when it’s connected to something bigger than yourself. The YMCA has shown me how to bring compassion into the workplace, collaborate with purpose, and stay motivated even when things get tough. I’ve grown not just in skill, but in mindset – and that’s something I’ll carry with me into any future role.”
As he prepares to take the next step in his journey, Nick gave one final message:
“It’s been a privilege to be part of something that matters. Working here has taught me that real strength comes from honesty, showing up, and supporting each other. It’s about being kind, staying true to yourself, and making the most of what you have – especially during tough times.”
From all of us at YMCA Newcastle – thank you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment over the past five years. You’ve made a real difference, and your presence will be missed.
Young Person Spotlight: Syan
For this month, we asked Syan some questions about her thoughts on the YMCA and what she’d like to see more of moving forward – she has been coming to the YMCA for almost 5 years, so we started by asking her about the activities that she’s been a part of in that time.
What are your favorite things to do at the YMCA?
“Eat, talk, dance… paddle-board. I loved paddle-boarding”
So would you say that paddle-boarding was your favourite thing that you’ve done here?
“Yes. No! That chip thing. We went to every single chippy and we got chips from every single one and had to pick which one was the best.”
So which was the best?
“One of the ones in Whitley Bay.”
If you could do 3 activities every week, what would those 3 be?
“1. Paddle-boarding.
2. Film day. Where we get cozy and put on a film and have snacks.
3. All the crafts we do. Posters are my favourite.”
Is there anything you’ve tried with the YMCA that you didn’t think you’d like, but actually did?
“We are not putting tuna down! I really didn’t think I’d like rock climbing, but I do now. It still scares me to death though.”
Is there anything you haven’t done with the YMCA that you’d like to try?
“What haven’t we done? We haven’t done canoeing! I wanna go canoeing. I loved paddle-boarding, I liked being on the water. If I could be a mermaid I would be a mermaid.”
What would you like to see more of from the YMCA?
“More craft materials. Flower pressing is so good! I also liked when we painted the mugs. I wanna do that again.”
We also asked Syan some more personal questions about the YMCA and the support that it offers.
Do you feel welcome here?
“Yes. Everyone is nice to talk to.”
How has coming to the YMCA helped you?
“It’s made me a lot more sociable. A lot more happy. I like the people and I just feel more comfortable here.”
What would you say to a friend who was nervous about attending the YMCA for the first time?
“It’s awesome and you’ll have a great time and I’ll be here.”
Greggs Foundation Supports Vital Community Work in Walker
We are thrilled to announce that YMCA Newcastle has been awarded funding from the Greggs Foundation, a generous contribution that will play a huge role in sustaining and growing our work over the next two years. This grant will ensure that our essential community services can continue to thrive for the good of the local community, addressing social isolation, financial hardships, and barriers to opportunities among some of Newcastle’s most disadvantaged communities.
The funding will enable our staff to deliver high-quality support to all of our participants with the care and attention that our community deserves, ensuring that everyone who attends is not only safe and comfortable, but also feels included and involved. The funding is helping us expand our reach and enhance the quality of our services, and with the money, we promise the continuation and expansion of our youth work, employability programmes, and community engagement initiatives, allowing us to reach more vulnerable individuals and provide truly sustainable support to as many people as possible.
Beyond social support, we will also be implementing greater access to food for those who need it, improving health and wellbeing, and reducing isolation as much as possible. We always strive to create an inclusive environment, and by increasing our reach to more beneficiaries we will be able to continually involve people in the community from all backgrounds ensure YMCA Newcastle can support as many people as we can.
This funding will be truly transformative to the community, and we are immensely grateful for the generosity of the Greggs Foundation, as without their support none of this would be possible.
In the words of Tamsin, a member of our team:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Greggs Foundation for backing our work in Walker. Knowing that we have 2 years of support to deliver these vital services gives us stability and confidence to plan ahead. It means we can keep running these groups that people in the community rely on. Greggs is supporting us to help make our community stronger, more inclusive, and more connected.”
We look forward to keeping you updated on the impact of this funding and will be sharing stories from those who benefit from the opportunities created in future newsletters.
Learn more about the Greggs Foundation: https://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/
