Member Article

£2.7m Social Centre opens in Gateshead

A local not-for-profit housing provider has opened a new £2.7 million sports and social integration facility for young and vulnerable people in Gateshead.

Four Housing Group have joined forced with Gateshead Council, Redheugh Boys Club and the Cyrenians to open the Academy, which will house 16-25 year old homeless youngsters and provide them with sporting facilities.

Lynda Peacock, group development director of Four Housing Group was keen to express her delight at the opening of the new centre. She commented: “The academy will reinvigorate the community, providing a range of services and amenities to boost the confidence, energy and aspirations of local people.

“We hope the local community will enjoy and reap the benefits the facility will provide and we wish to thank all those involved in bringing the project together.”

The Facility was officially opened by Newcastle United manager Alam Pardew. He said: “I genuinely believe the project will not only help improve the lives of people in the city but also provide opportunities for developing home-grown talent.

“That’s something we’re really passionate about at Newcastle United so it’s great to see initiatives like this. You never know, the next Steven Taylor could result from this project.”

The project has been funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, and will be used to promote physical and mental health, as well as te social inclusion of a diverse range of community groups.

Those living in the accommodation will benefit frm round the clock support from the Cyrenians, and will gain events and skills to move on to living independent lives.

Gateshead Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Councillor Linda Green, said: “This new centre provides a fantastic resource for Gateshead, while at the same time reducing pressure on our neighbouring authorities.

“Providing accommodation for our homeless young people can be the first step towards helping them to move on to a more positive future and our partners at Cyrenians and Four Housing Group are making this a reality thanks to their innovative transformation of our building.”

The Academy also includes a community cafe and meeting room, and will be developed further in the future based on the future needs of the community.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .