YMCA Norfolk has officially opened the doors to its newest community house in Yarmouth, which aims to replicate a family home for nine young care leavers. The home is part of The New Horizons project, which provides rooms and communal spaces for young people with a range of needs.
The project includes a dedicated team that will help the young people learn valuable skills and receive the support they would have gained in a family home.
The house was officially opened by the Mayor of Yarmouth, Cllr Mary Coleman who was joined by members of the local community, staff and excited young people from YMCA Norfolk.
Cllr Coleman thanked YMCA for providing such an impactful project and all those that had helped make it happen.
Jaime Copping, who is one of the first to benefit from the new house also spoke at the opening about all that YMCA has done for him and how previously he would never have the courage to stand up in front of people. The support YMCA has given him has helped him immensely and now he wants to give something back by supporting other young people.
YMCA Norfolk CEO, Tim Sweeting, said: “Our aim is to make the house as close to a family home as possible, staffing 24/7 for 365 days a year, eating meals together, planning, sharing chores and gaining independence.
“We want to support more young people like Jaime as they will be the ones to bring about positive change in Yarmouth. This project is part of our long-term commitment to the town.”