Children, young people and families in Plymouth are set to benefit from a new community PlayZone thanks to support from YMCA Plymouth and a generous donation from Plymouth Community Homes (PCH).
PCH has contributed £25,000 towards YMCA Plymouth's plans for the facility, helping to create a free outdoor space where local people can come together, get active and spend time with family and friends. PCH was pleased to support the project, recognising the positive impact YMCA Plymouth has on many PCH residents.
The PlayZone, which will be built at YMCA Plymouth's Honicknowle site, will transform the existing sports area into a community-focused space where residents can enjoy a range of activities, from grassroots community events to football and basketball sessions.
Tom Lavis, CEO of YMCA Plymouth said:
"Match-funding was a hurdle beyond our financial capacity, and without PCH stepping forward so generously, we would have missed out on this incredible opportunity altogether. This partnership goes far beyond financial backing; it’s a shared commitment to investing in local lives.”
Jonathan Cowie, CEO at Plymouth Community Homes, said:
The YMCA does a fantastic job supporting people across Plymouth, including many of our PCH residents, and we're proud to continue our partnership through this exciting project. The range of facilities at YMCA supporting every member of the family is incredible.
At PCH, we know how important community spaces are for bringing people together. This project will provide a safe and welcoming place for people to improve their wellbeing, and that is a worthwhile investment.
I hope it makes a real difference to both our residents and the wider community.”
Sarah Newberry, Youth, Family and Fundraising Manager at YMCA Plymouth, said:
“For many local families, the cost of organised sport and the lack of accessible facilities mean children are missing out on opportunities to be active. This project will remove these barriers by creating a welcoming multi-purpose space for all to enjoy.”
The project has already secured support from the Football Foundation and Plymouth City Council. However, YMCA Plymouth is continuing its fundraising efforts to reach its target and unlock the further investment needed to deliver the scheme.
Contributions from both PCH's Social Value Fund and Fineline Group have helped raise £50,000 so far, bringing the project one step closer to becoming a reality.
Sarah Newberry, Youth, Family and Fundraising Manager at YMCA Plymouth, added:
“I am incredibly grateful for the collaborative effort of PCH and Fineline Group. Their support demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together to invest in local communities, and the benefits of this project will be felt for years to come.”
The donation strengthens the partnership between PCH and YMCA Plymouth who have worked together on a number of community initiatives over the years and share a commitment to supporting local people. Most recently, PCH was announced as the headline sponsor of the YMCA Community Awards, celebrating individuals and organisations making a difference across the city.
The YMCA team will now continue their fundraising efforts to secure the remaining funds needed to reach their £60,000 target.
If you are interested in supporting the campaign, finding out more about YMCA Plymouth's work, visit: https://www.ymcaplymouth.org.uk/. If you are interested in making a donation, you can also access the Crowdfunder, here.
