YMCA makes 'difficult' decision to close long-standing Walsall centre for vulnerable people

A centre which has provided dedicated service supporting some of Walsall's most vulnerable people is set to close its doors next year.

YMCA Black Country Group has announced the closure of the Glebe Centre in March.

The centre, which has been managed by YMCA for the past 13 years, has provided a vital lifeline for individuals experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and drug and alcohol-related challenges for more than 50 years.

Over the years, The Glebe Centre has benefited from a range of funding sources, including commissioned contracts from Walsall Council and grants from organisations such as The National Lottery Community Fund.

However, YMCA Black Country Group said that despite extensive efforts to secure ongoing funding, the combination of increasing rental and energy costs and the end of key National funding streams had ultimately led to the decision to close.

Jo Goldie, Chief Officer for Programmes at YMCA Black Country Group, said: "We are so disappointed that we have been forced to make this decision.

“We have worked closely with the local authority and other funding partners to find a viable solution, unfortunately with no success.

“We have experienced challenges through reduced grant funding across many areas of YMCA's work in recent years, coupled with increasing competition amongst local providers who are all undertaking vital work in our communities.

“Recently we were particularly disappointed to discover following an application to the government's Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund, that despite the clear need demonstrated locally, no funding was awarded to projects in Walsall through that programme.

“We know the impact that the closure of The Glebe will have on the community and will be working closely with the local authority and our service users to ensure their needs are met elsewhere in Walsall."

The Glebe Centre's work has focused on meeting the most basic and immediate needs of people facing hardship.

Services have included hot meals, shower and laundry facilities, clothing provision, housing advice, benefits support, health and wellbeing services, needle exchange and opportunities to engage with healthcare professionals, including GP services and sexual health support.

In the last year alone, The Glebe Centre supported more than 400 individuals, with some accessing the service on a one-off basis and others relying on ongoing support while working through periods of instability and having access to YMCA’s Chaplaincy team who could provide a compassionate, listening ear to individuals facing crisis.

Jane Hayward, Centre Manager at The Glebe Centre, said: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Walsall and the wider community for their unwavering support over the years.

“Whilst funding has reduced, the generosity of local people has only ever increased.

“We have been fortunate to receive regular donations of food, essential items and financial support from local churches, schools, businesses, Martin Bateman, from our local ASDA and countless individuals who care deeply about helping others."