Client Spotlight: YMCA Fylde Coast
Thursday, March 15, 2018
YMCA Fylde Coast is a very special YMCA. Established in 1922 and based in the North West, they’ve made a positive difference to millions of people’s lives, working over 18 sites in 9 communities. Their programmes encompass physical activity, housing, young people and outdoor education, all of which are designed to support people to develop in mind, body and spirit.
One gem in their crown is the YMCA National Centre Lakeside, nestled in 400 acres of woodland on Lake Windermere. Over a million young people – from visiting schools, colleges and youth groups – have been through the centre, partaking in activities like kayaking and woodland walking that many of them wouldn’t have a chance to experience in towns and cities. YMCA Fylde Coast’s work with young people at Lakeside improves their physical and emotional wellbeing, nurtures a love of learning and equips them with important skills they’ll use in adulthood.
Used continuously since it was built more than 60 years ago, the YMCA National Centre Lakeside needs an overhaul to be fit to service future generations of visitors and continue to transform the lives of a million more young people. Building a new 265-bed school facility will cost £6.8 million, so YMCA Fylde Coast came to Baxendale for support to target social investment as part of the funding mix. Our work included supporting YMCA Fylde Coast with market research, social impact measurement, financial modelling, business planning, and closing an investment deal, all of which was made possible through a grant from Big Potential.
The building of the new centre, above, is about to begin
As a result YMCA Fylde Coast secured a significant £3.5 million investment to add to the £2 million they separately raised through donations and grant funding.
With planning permission for the build granted and with now just under 90% of the target met, we’re delighted to hear that construction of the new outdoor education centre starts in April.
The target amount needed to achieve YMCA Fylde Coast’s aspirations is tantalisingly close, and as a result, the Support Lakeside Campaign is stepping up to the table with a menu of fundraising activities designed to propel them over the finish line. Every one-off donation helps, but there are also corporate opportunities like sponsoring one of the 265 beds and attending one of three delectable dining experiences across Kendal, Preston and Manchester, led by five superb chefs on 3rd May.
The Yes Chef! teams – including award-winning chef Simon Rogan at Kendal College – will be dazzling guests with culinary magic fit for the three impressive venues. Who wouldn’t want to dine in the grounds of Manchester’s grade II listed Monastery? There is also the option to sponsor the whole dinner, or a course.
To book a table, contact Sam Rayner: yeschef@supportlakeside.org.uk.
For more information about how we can help you raise investment, get in touch.
