Following a £326,000 refurbishment the old Sycamore House building reopened this Monday, 24 July, as a new home for a broad range of support services for residents.
Now called 30 Clarence Street, it is the location for young people’s services previously delivered from Castlegate, and will provide drop-in and specialist advice and support for young people age 16-18 who are not in education, employment or training.
30 Clarence Street will also host confidential counselling for young people aged 16-25 and provide signposting for services on a range of advice, from health matters and relationships to housing, benefits and working.
The adult’s mental health service is now also based here, and offers support and advice, in addition to accessing training and placement schemes, or a chance to work on reception or in the cafe to help develop skills and confidence.
CYC is also leasing space on the first floor to York Mind and York Pathways, and with an evening service beginning later this year called ‘The Haven’ for people experiencing mental distress, the idea is that the links between these programmes and organisations will help facilitate a synergy and sharing of expertise which will benefit all.
The opening of ‘The Haven’ is made possible after the council and partners in the North Yorkshire and York crisis care concordat successfully bid for £178,000 of Department of Health funding, with CYC providing the other £148,000 for refurbishment of the building itself.
Cllr. Paul Doughty, Conservative spokesperson for health and adult social care said: “An appropriate and welcoming replacement for the services formerly provided at Castlegate was a priority for Conservatives at our last election and to be able to combine this facility in a bright, new centre also hosting mental health services has to be a good thing for all our residents.”
Cllr. Stuart Rawlings, executive member for education, children and young people said: “I’m delighted that young peoples’ services can now be delivered from a modern, accessible city centre venue in an area already frequented by many young people. We will continue our high quality support and signposting services to help young people make the informed choices that are right for them.”