Last Friday lunchtime, the backyard of the housing transformed into a vibrant celebration as we marked the 10th anniversary of this vital supported accommodation. What started as a haven for a small group of young people has blossomed into something truly special.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since the original team opened the doors of Sir James Knott House for the first 15 young people; but as they saying goes ‘mighty oaks from little acorns grow’.” These words from our Director of Homes & Places, Steve, perfectly encapsulate the incredible decade-long journey of Sir James Knott House. “This is true in two senses,” he explained. “We now provide safe and supportive homes to a lot more people across North Tyneside, Northumberland, Sunderland and Stockton.” Our reach has expanded, allowing us to offer a lifeline to an increasing number of individuals in need.
But the growth extends far beyond the number of beds we provide. As Steve so eloquently put it, “in another sense it’s about the successful lives that many of the homeless young people we’ve supported are now experiencing – holding down training courses or jobs, having families or pursing other personal life goals.” This is the true measure of our impact – witnessing young people flourish and build independent lives.
The anniversary celebration really showed the sense of community at Sir James Knott House with mutliple residents in attendance. Upon arrival, a delightful buffet greeted guests, setting the tone for a joyful afternoon. A particularly moving moment was a beautiful performance by the residents themselves, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was wonderful to see staff from all departments come together to mark this milestone, and we were even joined by familiar faces Barry and Bernie from Barry Fruit and Veg, highlighting the strong local connections we’ve built during our time here.
A major highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the incredible traditional Bengali food lovingly prepared by Maheema’s mum. The aromas filled the garden, and every dish was savoured by all. In a sweet gesture of appreciation, Housing Manager Mark presented her with a small lemon tree – a symbol of growth and gratitude.
The sunny weather perfectly complemented the atmosphere, making the 10th anniversary of Sir James Knott House a truly memorable occasion. As we look to the future, Steve affirmed, “Our future plans are to provide a greater number of homes to a greater number of people in need, but the fundamentals remain the same… What motivates us is seeing young people develop, learn to live independently and thrive… Which is what YMCA is all about.”
Recent Comments