Barnabas Safe and Sound
Background
Barnabas was formed in 2002 to address the problem of hidden homelessness in the Northumberland market town of Morpeth. Many young people sleep on friends’ sofas as they can’t afford high rents but are not regarded as priorities by statutory agencies. Barnabas leases accommodation from housing associations and private landlords in order to provide sheltered living spaces to around 20 young people a year. They are helped to become independent and move on to find their own flats and houses. The charity gives advice and information to many more disadvantaged young people in the area.
How we helped
Projects for young people in Morpeth are scarce, so Barnabas wanted to expand its services to fill the gap. But space was limited. The charity was renting the top floor of a building in the centre of town and couldn’t afford to buy its own property. Charity Bank provided a loan of £120,000 over 20 years enable Barnabas to buy and refurbish the entire building. The rest of the money came from Barnabas’ own reserves and grants from foundations. “The advantage of the loan was that it filled a frustrating gap in our funding and enabled us to close the deal,” says chief executive Chris Menzies. “Charity Bank has been encouraging and if we need extra money there is flexibility there.”
Impact
The building was purchased in February 2009. The increased space has enabled Barnabas to diversify into youth development work as well provide a home for other young people’s groups in Morpeth. An old workshop has been turned into a multi-user meeting area and Barnabas plans to use the space for a youth club as well. Another young people’s charity is renting a different space, providing much-needed income. And a garage has been converted into a bouldering wall activity centre for young people as well as the wider community. The new space enables Barnabas to work on personal development and health and fitness with disadvantaged young people. “I come to the bouldering wall because its fun and my friends come here. It helps you get stronger,” says 11 year old Sam Alder.
www.barnabas-northumberland.org.uk
Barnabas Safe and Sound
Background
Barnabas was formed in 2002 to address the problem of hidden homelessness in the Northumberland market town of Morpeth. Many young people sleep on friends’ sofas as they can’t afford high rents but are not regarded as priorities by statutory agencies. Barnabas leases accommodation from housing associations and private landlords in order to provide sheltered living spaces to around 20 young people a year. They are helped to become independent and move on to find their own flats and houses. The charity gives advice and information to many more disadvantaged young people in the area.
How we helped
Projects for young people in Morpeth are scarce, so Barnabas wanted to expand its services to fill the gap. But space was limited. The charity was renting the top floor of a building in the centre of town and couldn’t afford to buy its own property. Charity Bank provided a loan of £120,000 over 20 years enable Barnabas to buy and refurbish the entire building. The rest of the money came from Barnabas’ own reserves and grants from foundations. “The advantage of the loan was that it filled a frustrating gap in our funding and enabled us to close the deal,” says chief executive Chris Menzies. “Charity Bank has been encouraging and if we need extra money there is flexibility there.”
Impact
The building was purchased in February 2009. The increased space has enabled Barnabas to diversify into youth development work as well provide a home for other young people’s groups in Morpeth. An old workshop has been turned into a multi-user meeting area and Barnabas plans to use the space for a youth club as well. Another young people’s charity is renting a different space, providing much-needed income. And a garage has been converted into a bouldering wall activity centre for young people as well as the wider community. The new space enables Barnabas to work on personal development and health and fitness with disadvantaged young people. “I come to the bouldering wall because its fun and my friends come here. It helps you get stronger,” says 11 year old Sam Alder.
www.barnabas-northumberland.org.uk