Blackburn YMCA

Overview

Blackburn YMCA was established in 1896 and whilst our client group and services have changed over the years we have always prioritised helping society. We provide safe and secure accommodation for homeless young people in Colne, Nelson, Accrington, Haslingden, Bacup, Clitheroe and Blackburn. Blackburn YMCA also manages the New Beginnings Project (funded by Big Lottery) which uses a peer support model to help Refugees and Asylum Seekers settle and integrate into their new communities. We help young people who are seeking accommodation on release from young offenders institutes; young people working towards achieving Youth Achievement awards; and young people who have formed a youth forum that examines and considers local and national issues.

Achieved to date

We have accommodated and supported 244 young people over the 11 years the project has been running. Many have gone on into independent accommodation having found work, some have gone on to university, some now have young families of their own. The New Beginnings Project has helped hundreds of people from 26 different countries to integrate into UK life and it has reached around 2000 school children and adults through its awareness raising work.