The Bishop of Willesden will cut his way through a bright red ribbon later in the month when he opens the YMCA’s newly built supported housing, children’s and community facilities in Harrow, West London.
The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent will be joined at the ceremony by the Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Janet Cowan, who will release balloons and address the celebration.
The YMCA's brand new Roxeth Gate complex will support young people aged between 16 and 35 who have had to leave home and are in need of a safe and clean place to stay.
The 42 flats available can accommodate the young guests for up to 2 years and in addition to accommodation they can receive support and training to ensure they are given every chance to move on with their lives.
When they decide they are ready to leave they will be helped to find more permanent accommodation.
The YMCA will also run an exciting variety of Children's Activity Classes for children aged from 6 months to teenagers, due to start in the autumn.
The facilities in the new building, which also include an IT training room, a meeting room and children’s play area, will be available for local community groups to take advantage of.
The building is the result of a blossoming partnership between Christ Church Roxeth and West London YMCA.
The Bishop of Willesden said: “Projects like this are good for the community. The Church of England and the YMCA have a long track record of this kind of cooperation in North West London, and I am pleased that the Roxeth site is being used in this way.”
Christ Church was drawn to the West London YMCA for this kind of venture because of the YMCA’s considerable experience of managing supported housing schemes across London and their intention to work with children and young people in the community. Meanwhile, the YMCA is keen to offer this expertise to the Harrow area.
West London YMCA works throughout West London to show Christian faith in action in local communities.