The Future of GYG youth services

April 2024

Official statement on the future of GYG youth services.

GYG will continue to provide youth services in Gravesham for the foreseeable future after securing new funding.

However, fundraising is an ongoing priority for our team.

After Kent County Council cut all funding to external youth services in the county – meaning we lost a large pot of funding - we had to review what services we offer and how we sustain the future of GYG.

This meant we needed to make some difficult decisions – which has been incredibly sad for our close-knit team of staff and freelancers who all help make GYG and The Grand Healthy Living Centre what it is.

The biggest change is that our free mental health counselling service, called Active Listening, will stop from May 2024. Instead we will work alongside the Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund, who has similar free service for young people in the borough. So young people can still get support for their mental health and wellbeing.

We are sad to say goodbye to the two fantastic counsellors, Brenda and Joyce, who have worked with Active Listening over the past few years and supported so many young people and their families.

All of the services The Grand provides for adults will continue.

Our new funding from Arts Council England means we will be able to offer young people free creative projects and performance opportunities.

While new funding from the local NHS means GYG will be having new projects about young people’s physical health and wellbeing. We’ll be announcing more details about this soon.

Steve Edwards, Chair of the board for The Grand and GYG said, “We extend our deepest gratitude to all the supporters, partners, and stakeholders who have contributed to our work over the past 21 years and who continue to support our future.

Together, we are making a difference in the lives of young people in Gravesham, and we look forward to continuing this vital work in the months and years ahead.”

While the new funding, secured to deliver health, wellbeing and youth projects, is good news, The Grand and GYG are dedicated to raising long-term funds to provide essential support, guidance, and opportunities for the young people of Gravesham.