Louise Haigh MP: Double Six Youth Club reopens after £1.5million refurbishment
Good news for Sheffield Heeley as the Double Six Youth Club based in Woodseats is reopening following their £1.5million transformation, funded by the Government’s Youth Investment Fund.
The grant has helped to transform the youth club which has been open since 1966. The funding was used to develop, expand and refurbish the building, which used to be an old church, to provide more facilities and activities for young people across the community.
Now the transformation has been complete, young people will benefit from a new first-floor mezzanine level inside the main hall, allowing young people to take part in different activities at the same time.
A multi-use games area (MUGA) has been installed meaning young people can use this outdoor space to play games, including football, basketball and badminton, all year round.
They upgrade the roof incorporating thermal insulation and installing solar PV panels and battery storage to generate renewable electricity helping reduce energy bills and making the club more sustainable.
Double Six refurbished and restored a number of breakout rooms, meaning young people can receive one to one or group support with their mental health and attend classes about sexual health and group work. They have also installed a new kitchen to allow cooking and baking classes. The old stained-glass window which was a feature of the Methodist Church has also been restored and featured in the new building.
These improvements now mean that the youth club will be able to offer a wider variety of activities for young people aged eight to 18, whether in the evening, at weekends or in the school holidays, and continue to be available for rent by even more community members and groups.
Young people who use the youth club shared their thoughts on what Double Six means to them. One young person said:
“This youth club is important because it gets me out of the house. Just think, Sheffield is known for being green and beautiful, but what is the point of this if there is nothing to bring me out in the first place. This renovation will definitely attract the wider community to travel to Sheffield, and not just experience the facilities within the Youth Club, but the wider area. What’s better than a green Sheffield, than a green Sheffield with an extroverted, confident and proud community – this renovation will help us achieve this.”
Richard Hay, Club Leader at Double Six Youth Club, said:
“This renovation has definitely been a labour of love for all who have been involved, but we could not be prouder of what we have achieved for our young people. This has enabled us to create an adaptable, safe space for young people.
“Our young people sessions have begun and since the refurbishment has taken place, we have already welcomed 180 new young people through our doors.
“We’re delighted with our new space, and this transformation would not have been possible without the help, support and determination of our young people and volunteers. It’s due to their hard work that we have a building fit for the future.”
Civil Society Minister Stephanie Peacock said:
“It’s fantastic to see Double Six Youth Club reopen after this over £1.5 million transformation. I know how much effort and energy it has taken to get to this point. I want to thank everyone involved your local MP Louise Haigh, the young people, volunteers and staff, it’s thanks to so many people coming together that this brilliant youth club will continue make a difference in the local area.
“This space is exactly what the Government’s National Youth Strategy is all about – giving young people the opportunities, support and trusted adults they need to thrive.
“By investing in facilities like this and backing youth workers and volunteers, we’re helping ensure that every young person has the chance to reach their potential, no matter their background.”
Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley, said:
“I know how hard all the young people and volunteers have worked to ensure that this £1.5million transformation of Double Six youth club is successful, and from the response from young people who have returned so far, it has been a huge success.
“I know how well valued Double Six and their youth work is, and I have seen first-hand the lasting impact they have on young people who they support.
“Youth work and activities for young people have never been so important and its fantastic we have a Labour Government that values them.”