Developing a GYAP Reuse & Wellness Hub that supports young people, families and older adults through a charity shop, garden space and shared learning.
Estimated Cost
£40,000
1. What do you want to do?
We want to develop the GYAP Charity Shop into a Community Reuse & Wellness Hub that strengthens youth support, improves wellbeing and enhances sustainability. Funding will allow us to:
Improve the charity shop’s energy efficiency to reduce our extremely high running costs.
Create a back‑garden wellness space with seating, sensory planting and quiet areas for young people, families and supported referrals.
Expand intergenerational learning opportunities, including repair, craft, gardening and sustainability workshops.
Improve accessibility and safety for volunteers with assisted needs.
Strengthen the shop’s role as a community hub supporting Social Work, Citizens Advice, schools and Women’s Aid referrals.
(We already have funding for the Reuse Shed, so this project focuses on the wider hub and wellness space.)
2. Why is your project important for your community?
GYAP supports a wide range of people, including Social Work referrals, Citizens Advice clients, schools, Women’s Aid referrals, young people, families and older adults. The charity shop was created to generate a steady income for youth activities, but rising costs threaten its sustainability.
This project protects a vital community asset by reducing energy costs, improving accessibility and creating a safe outdoor space for wellbeing and connection. It aligns with the Sutherland Place Plan by:
Strengthening youth opportunities and wellbeing.
Supporting vulnerable individuals through early‑help community spaces.
Expanding circular‑economy and reuse activity.
Reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Enhancing community resilience and reducing isolation.
The wellness garden will provide a free, stigma‑free space for young people and families who may not access traditional services.
3. What positive impact will your project have?
A sustainable, energy‑efficient community hub that protects the long‑term future of youth activities.
Increased support for Social Work, Citizens Advice, schools and Women’s Aid referrals.
A safe outdoor space for wellbeing, reflection and informal support.
More opportunities for intergenerational learning, volunteering and community connection.
Reduced isolation for young people, older adults and vulnerable individuals.
Improved access to low‑cost items through the Reuse Shed (already funded).
Greater inclusion for volunteers with assisted needs.
Expected outcomes:
Stronger youth engagement and improved wellbeing.
Increased community resilience.
More income available for youth programmes due to lower running costs.
A greener, more sustainable community asset.
4. What key milestones have you achieved so far and what are your next steps?
Achieved:
Community engagement and feedback gathered from young people, families, volunteers and partner agencies.
Funding secured for the Reuse Shed.
Research completed on energy‑efficiency improvements and garden design.
Project plan drafted and aligned with the Sutherland Place Plan.
Next Steps:
Obtain formal quotes for the remaining works.
Secure funding for the wellness garden and shop improvements.
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