The event was held to celebrate the successful transition of the Crawley Foyer services and the ownership of the building to Sussex Central YMCA.
The launch event was attended by The Mayor of Crawley Carol Eade, delegates from The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and other local supporters of the Foyer. Sussex Central YMCA Deputy Chief Executive Chas Walker introduced the attendees and discussed the future plans of the charity. Some of the residents shared their stories of how the Crawley Foyer helped them to turn their lives around. One ex-resident said: “I had issues at home and I was made street homeless. I went to Crawley Connexions for support and they got me a place here and this is where I learnt everything. I was 18 when I moved in but I have now got my own place. I learnt everything here from washing to cooking to cleaning. It also taught me skills like budgeting. I think its nice it feels strange to be back, but I have made a lot of mates here who were in the same position. I’m now a respectable young man and it’s changed me as a person.”
The formal presentation was followed by an informal reception in the Crawley Foyer garden. A celebration cake was cut by the Mayor of Crawley who then addressed the guests with a speech, expressing the importance of the work that the Foyer does to help local young people. She said: “I have been really impressed in hearing the young people’s life events. You just can not put a price on the centre, it’s invaluable. It’ll make them all such strong people in the future.”
A long standing supporter and friend of the Crawley Foyer Jim Mulsgrave, owner of prestigious
beauty salon Jimmy Chop Chop, presented a cheque for £2,300, to Sussex Central YMCA Board Chair Ian Chisnall. The money was raised through a music concert organised by the salon. Jimmy Chop Chop has built up a great relationship with the Foyer by providing training and work opportunities for the residents. “We are quite proud to be involved in helping this cause, the youngsters are inspirational.”
Achieving the purchase of such a large building and project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of RBS who were willing to work closely with Sussex Central YMCA to provide the necessary funds to make the purchase of the building possible.
After enjoying tea and cakes the guests had a chance to take tours of the Foyer, which were led by the residents. The building has become a state of the art facility with a life skills centre, computer suites and digital music centre. The event was a huge success, it was a chance for Sussex Central YMCA to set out it’s vision and plans for the future and also a networking opportunity for local businesses. Sussex Central YMCA is always keen to hear fromm local businesses who would be interested in supporting and working with the Foyer.
