Norwich youth charity in new office space appeal 

Norwich Youth for Christ is appealing for help after being given notice to leave their current premises at the Mousehold Hub near Norwich city centre.

Three years ago, the youth work charity moved its offices to Mousehold Hub as part of a partnership with Norwich Central Baptist Church. The church had acquired the former premises of Silver Road Baptist Church and turned it into a missional hub for the community complete with a cafe, rented rooms and youthwork projects. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced the closure of the cafe and alongside unforeseen building costs, the premises is no longer financially viable to continue.

Nick Blanch, Director of Norwich Youth for Christ, said: “It’s a real shame as we had made a home there. In our previous location, we only had an office. So it was a strategic move not just to have some office space but to launch our alternative education project and youth clubs to create a youth hub. Really, we were only getting started, especially as we’ve had lockdowns during our time there.”

The charity has until the end of the year to navigate a move and is appealing for help from the Christian community to find a new space. Nick said: “Ideally we would want to have rooms for offices and some space for youthwork although we are always coming and going to other locations too. We have a budget although as a charity, it’s not much!

 

“We’re always looking for new partnerships and I’d like to think that we can add value to a church, group or organisation. Our mission remains the same – we’re about seeing young people’s lives changed by Jesus. So whatever happens we will continue to reach out to young people with the good news about Him.”

The charity is also gearing up for its Encounter camp at the end of August. Working together with other Youth for Christ centres in Norfolk, they are taking 40 young people to Sizewell Hall for a week of camping, activities and Christian teaching.

If you can help Norwich Youth for Christ in any way please contact Nick at [email protected] or 07747471218

For more information on their camp go to integrateyfc.org.uk/camp

 

Keith Morris, 14/08/2022