New life for the YMCA John Innes Youth Centre...

...home to a range of vibrant activities for young people in Wimbledon, including the SQUAD.

The refurbished and well equipped John Innes Centre is the new location for the YMCA Skills Academy providing vital ' alternative curriculum' education plus YMCA Music Room after school club and SQUAD.

At the official opening on Thursday 6th December, invited by the Rt Revd Dr Richard Cheetham, President of Kingston & Wimbledon YMCA, an audience of 100 young people, supporters, friends and relatives, heard The Mayor of Merton, Councillor John Dehaney, say that the Council was very pleased with the new YMCA John Innes project and anticipated that this youth centre would do very well. He said:

'the Council has been impressed with the variety of vibrant opportunities for young people offered at the Centre and was looking forward to working with the YMCA in the future, extending activities right across the borough.'

Stephen Hammond MP, declaring the centre officially open, remarked that it was great to see this facility transformed, upgraded and reopened. He emphasised the differences moving to the new premises would make to each of the groups using the building. He said:

' Moving here will enhance the activities SQUAD can undertake and the Skills Academy and Music Room are fantastic opportunities for young people& here they can enjoy their activities in a safe environment as a result of the YMCA and the Council renovations. I congratulate the young people who put the successful funding bid together' .

Bishop Richard said prayers of blessing for the YMCA John Innes Centre and for all the work that will go on there for young people. He said:

'As a Christian based organisation it is our duty to bring fullness of life to all and service is at the heart of what we do. I look forward to seeing how this centre will develop and serve the needs of young people in partnership with the Borough. '

Occupation of the John Innes Youth Centre will be maximised by
MeMu (Merton Multicultural Co-operative), a high profile youth based company who will host music gigs in the evenings. Currently their gigs attract up to 200 young people, many from outside Wimbledon.

The centre is also the new home for The Squad, a pioneering Merton-based charity helping young people with learning disabilities to challenge social barriers. The Squad runs a weekly club night at the JIYC, attracting up to 30 users in any one evening, with a focus on having fun, socialising with other young people from different backgrounds and working towards realising their true potential. A further Squad project, which meets monthly, will also be able to benefit from the Centre. The move to the JIYC will enable the Squad to have a secure base from which to work and expand on their core activities with further club nights and events planned for young people with learning disabilities in Merton.

For details of YMCA John Innes Youth Centre please email JonathanMelville-Thomas@kwymca.org.uk