Jill reflects on moving into the Y Centre

When I was asked to write a paragraph on the Y Centre development - how I felt, the milestones getting here and anything I’d learned along the way, I smiled, reflecting on the incredible journey getting to this stage and how impossible it would be to write one paragraph, I could write a book!! 
Over many years we had tried to get various models of refurbishment off the ground- climbing wall project, demolition and partnership with a housing association. All failed to materialise, thankfully!
 
In 2018, I met with the staff team and some young people to explore what we actually wanted and needed rather than being directed by others and the lack of finance. There was a sense of enthusiasm for the task and the list was long…
 
Drop-in youth work space, digital and media suite, retail unit, working kitchen, dedicated space for staff and volunteers, conference / training area, gym, flats for young people…We were having fun coming up with our ultimate wish list, never thinking for one minute we would actually be sitting in the Y Centre in 2024, with all of this and more!!
 
And so it began.
 
A couple of YMCA trustees and I, accompanied by a young person, Serena arranged to meet with The Gannochy Trust Board of trustees with the assistance of Carol Downie, their CEO at that time. We presented our vision to bring our old Church back to life and Serena shared her own story of transformation and the incredible impact YMCA support had made. This presentation was the catalyst that secured our first 1 million pounds from The Gannochy Trust. I’ll be forever grateful.
 
I recall wondering then how it would all come together and a little nervous with the challenge of a development of this scale. I had no idea how this project would totally consume my life for the next 5 years!!
 
It began being a 3.7 million pound project and ended at 6.5 million. We have been truly blessed and utterly amazed at times with the financial provision, support and encouragement from big funders, Y family members and the wider community.
 
Now we have moved in, my vision for the centre is simple- giving our young people somewhere to go, someone to talk to and something to do. I’ve truly felt privileged to lead this project and certainly overwhelmed and unskilled on many occasions. The verse that stayed with me did help, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. The Y centre will be a shining light in the centre of Perth, serving generations of young people and the wider community for years to come. Praise God

Thank You to all of the funders who made this possible.