Refurbished YMCA Barnsley building to continue supporting our children and young people

Recent refurbishment works on the YMCA premises will allow their legacy to continue and reinforces our commitment to improving the lives and futures of our children and young people through the Great Childhoods Ambition.

The YMCA on Blucher Street in the heart of Barnsley, has provided vital open access youth work in the borough for over 160 years.

The local charity provides a wide range of activities for children and young people, and work closely with Chilypep, who deliver a range of mental health support projects, including the mental health hub ‘HOME’.

It also hosts Barnsley’s Youth Employment Hub and a range of partners, providing holistic support to young people who need help with their mental health.

We've worked with YMCA Barnsley and Chilypep and their young people to redevelop the building, which will offer open access, flexible, relational youth work and early mental health support in non-judgmental, welcoming, safe spaces.

The works, which were funded using some of the £10.2 million we received from the government’s Levelling Up Fund, have: 

• redeveloped the exterior and roof structures 
• upgraded entrances and created a new entrance into the building 
• upgraded the sports hall and changing facilities for all-year use 
• upgraded essential services for more efficient use 
• upgraded kitchen facilities for inclusive use 

Councillor Ashley Peace, Cabinet spokesperson for Children's Services, said: "YMCA Barnsley’s history of providing support for the borough's children and young people spans for more than a century, so it's fantastic that these refurbishments will allow that vital work to continue. 

"We want to provide activities, opportunities and experiences of interest for our children and young people through the Great Childhoods Ambition programme and this investment in HOME will do just that.” 

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, added: "This is another significant investment in Barnsley's children and young people, giving them a safe and inclusive space. 

"One of the missions in our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy is to empower all of Barnsley’s communities to thrive, and we hope this facility will allow our younger residents to be the best version of themselves and excel.” 

Sue Williams, YMCA Chair, said: “The refurbishment of the YMCA is more than just a building upgrade, it’s about creating spaces where young people feel safe, supported, and empowered.

“YMCA Barnsley has been at the heart of youth work in our community since 1857, and this redevelopment ensures we can continue to meet the needs of children and young people today and in the future.”

Lesley Pollard, CEO of Chilypep, added: “The refurbishment of the wellbeing hub HOME as part of the YMCA development has provided much-needed additional facilities and improvements that will future-proof the building for years to come.

“Having a safe, inclusive and welcoming space is at the heart of what HOME provides, and hundreds of young people each year benefit from Chilypep’s youth work approach to supporting their mental health.”

Many of the facilities in the YMCA building, including the Sports Hall, are available for hire. Check their website for more information or call 01226 214 165 to speak to a member of the team.

The Great Childhoods Ambition is our commitment to improving the lives and futures of our children and young people. We'll support them to have a great childhood and ensure they feel they belong, and can explore, dream, grow and connect. For more information, visit barnsley.gov.uk/greatchildhoods.