YMCA gets funding push off the ground

WishawYMCAmembershave secured the first of what it hopes will be a number of fundraising grants as it bids to bring its old building back into use.

The hard-working committee has secured a £10,000 cheque which will help members get started as they aim to build a new YM in the Main Street after the old one closed back in November 2018.

YM chairman Graeme Wands said: “We have been successful in gaining support from the Architectural Heritage Fund, with an award of £10,000 being made to allow us to engage professional services to produce a Project Viability Report.

“That is one of the first rungs on the ladder for successful capital funding applications and a real endorsement of the possibility of a positive outcome for the project long term.

“AHF made a visit to Wishaw YMCA to meet the team and conduct an assessment of the building and was very optimistic and impressed overall.

“They only fund projects that they believe are worthwhile investments and credible.

“AHF exists to help communities find enterprising ways to revitalise the old buildings they love.

“They help them with advice, grants, and loans.

“The support they provide acts as a catalyst for putting sustainable heritage at the heart of vibrant local economies.

“For over 40 years, they have been the leading social investor in creating new futures for historic buildings.”

The organisation officially moved into new temporary new premises in October, meaning it now has a presence in Wishaw town centre for the first time in a number of years.

The move into the former Play Music Now store in Wishaw Main Street also means the YM can also provide a number of new activities as well as acquiring funding to repair its long-term home in Main Street which has been closed since November 2018.

However, to do that members are asking the public to take part in a short survey to find out what priorities should be looked at in the coming years.

Graeme added: “Wishaw YMCA really needs the support of the community to complete the Community Engagement survey.

“This is massively important and we need to provide the results of the survey with the capital grant applications we will make early next year, those are funds that can deliver the project. It’s 10 very short questions and it only takes about 90 seconds to complete.”

The survey can also be taken at the group’s website at www. wishawymca.org or simply scan the QR code below.