“Rather than a one-off donation, we can invest something that will continue to make an impact, helping lots of young people,” said Mike Turner, Executive Director at Ian Williams. We’re delighted to announce that we have partnered with lead youth homelessness charity, 1625 Independent People (1625ip). The charity has several properties, helping young people find a safe space to live while they build a positive future for themselves. Ian Williams itself is very invested in having a positive impact in its community, from being energy conscious to running an Academy to help upskill young people. Both parties recognised that they had shared values and could do great work together, investing in the next generation to have the best start in life. 1625ip has a hostel, called Southwold House, situated close to Ian Williams. While it provides a safe place for young people who are homeless, it needs a desperate facelift. We are excited to announce that work has begun on Southwold House and is due to started in November and completed just in time for Christmas.
1625 Partnership Director, Jamie Gill adds: “Ian Williams have shown themselves as true leaders, galvanising their staff and other companies they work with to provide the best possible home for 1625ip’s young people. There will be space to study, a fantastic kitchen where young people can learn to cook, and proper spaces to relax and to be the community and home these young people are to each other. Adding to this transformation, is the partnerships of Triodos and Avon Wildlife Trust who have worked hard on the gardens to provide a nurturing outside space. This renovation shows how change is possible when people and organisations across sectors and communities come together. It shows our young people they are valued and deserve a home to be proud of.”
South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Children & Young People Cllr Jon Hunt said: “It is fantastic to see this work begin at Southwold House in Yate, which is delivering a number of refurbishment and landscaping improvements at the property. The improvement work has been designed in collaboration with residents, and young people are also going to be involved in carrying out the work, to help them gain hands on experience and learn a range of new skills.
This project with Ian Williams and 1625IP is a great example of how partnerships with local businesses and charities can create very positive outcomes for young people in our community.”
1625ip’s CEO Dom Wood discusses the project:
