Greenhill

Highlights from Oct 2020 - Oct 2021

Closure of the residential centre due to Covid lockdowns has ironically created space and provided opportunities to develop several new and exciting initiatives. The most significant of these has involved the South Eastern Trust Children’s Services entering a partnership to support children with additional needs. Young people aged 5-18 can enjoy a two night stay in a newly refurbished cabin on our site. This is ongoing with young people staying almost every night

Barbara Campbell, South Eastern Trust Director of Children’s Services, recently attended to cut the official ribbon and unveil the new project.

She said: “The Children’s Directorate of the South Eastern HSC Trust are delighted with the partnership that has been developed with YMCA, in order to provide short breaks to children.

“The setting provides opportunities for children to have a fun-filled activity-based break, supported by a great staff team within a caring community.”

She added: “We look forward to continuing to work with the YMCA to provide support and care to children and their families.”

The loss of income from residential groups caused us to explore a range of further social enterprise opportunities. Some of these did not progress beyond the planning stage, but several did become successful ventures that will continue into the future. One example was entering an agreement to run the Pedalo Swans within Castle Park in Newcastle. As well as providing important income, this allowed over 25,000 locals and tourists to engage with the YMCA, often for the very first time. It created a buzz around our services and opened many conversations.

Challenges from Oct 2020 - Oct 2021

Covid has presented a huge challenge for Greenhill YMCA. Over 90% of the running costs of the centre are generated through young people using services, mainly residential. This income, to all intent and purpose, was wiped out. Government support through the furlough scheme, and rescue grants, combined with the new social enterprises have carried us through, but the financial challenges in the year ahead remain significant.

Greenhill YMCA is heavily reliant on a large team of resident full-time volunteers. As this team continues to grow in size it has placed pressure on our volunteer housing facilities.

New Horizons 2022

In 2022, Greenhill aims to open a new training facility within the forest - our ‘Outdoor Classroom’. This has been developed in partnership with local schools and they intend to use it for environmental work, creative writing, stargazing, etc. it will be available to visiting residential groups and YMCA groups as a unique and inspiring outdoor learning space.