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Base 51, a charity that has been supporting young people in Nottingham for over 30 years, is relocating to new premises in the city centre.

Base 51, a charity that has been supporting young people in Nottingham for over 30 years, is relocating to new premises in the city centre.

Due to funding cuts to Youth Provision in 2022, Base 51 are moving from their building on Castle Gate into the former YMCA Gym near the Victoria Centre in Nottingham; YMCA’s fitness and wellbeing services relocated to the YMCA Community and Activity Village in Newark in 2022, with YMCA’s Supported Housing services still on site at Shakespeare Street. 

The charities new address will be 4a Peachey Street, NG1 4DJ.

Over the last 30 years, Base 51 has had a huge impact on young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, giving them a safe haven and support for whatever they are going through. Base 51 will continue to offer its services to 11-25 year olds from its new home on Peachey Street, including: counselling, specialist trauma support for those affected by violent crime or exploitation, a youth club, a LGBTQIA+ group and practical support as well. They also run a Training Academy where they offer courses in Youth Work and Counselling to anyone in the area, offer school workshops and have Social Prescribers in local GP surgeries.

Over 2023 the charities Youth Team provided 1931 meals, held 149 open youth sessions and supported 108 young people on a 1-2-1 basis (crisis support). Their counselling service provided over 800 sessions in just April - September alone. The services they provide are life changing, with one previous attendee saying “without Base 51 I’d probably be sat in a prison cell.”

Peter Morley, Chair of the Trustees, said

“Base 51 is a well-known and respected charity in the area, with a history of providing excellent support to thousands of young people. The last few years have been difficult with covid and the funding cuts, but we are now looking forward to the future and creating a new safe place in the city centre. I am extremely proud of everyone at the charity for the work they do, even in challenging circumstances – our staff and volunteers are incredibly dedicated to providing the best support possible to young people that reach out to us.”

From April, the Base 51 Youth Club will be open Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings to 11-17 year olds, with the Outburst LGBTQIA+ group running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for 11–21 year olds  - sessions will be 50p which helps covers the costs. Counselling and specialist trauma support will be open throughout the week to 10-25 year olds, providing vital support for anyone struggling with their mental health.

Jo Jepson, Base 51 CEO, said:

“Base 51 has been a vital part of the Nottingham youth landscape for over three decades, we’re really pleased that we can move our services to another great city centre location and continue to build on our services and partnerships. We’re really grateful to YMCA Robin Hood Group for supporting us and agreeing to let us utilise some of their fantastic building in the heart of the City. We look forward to welcoming all young people ( age 11 – 25) to our new facility, providing somewhere safe to go, someone to talk to and something to do. ”

The move will take place at the end of March, with services switching to the new building from the beginning of April 2024; the charity is looking for donations to help create a welcoming environment for young people and will be working with local artists and businesses to revamp the space.

Craig Berens, CEO of YMCA Robin Hood Group, said,

“We are delighted to be welcoming Base 51 to the space at Shakespeare Street with open arms. Both organisations are committed to supporting the wellbeing of young people in Nottingham and beyond, we are thrilled to have them as a partner and look forward to the opportunities this may bring young people in our city.”

YMCA provides a diverse mix of services for young people and community across Nottingham and the wider region. Last year, the charity supported 1,209 people impacted by homelessness, 25% of whom were under the age of 26. YMCA also drives community initiatives through the Malt Cross in Nottingham city centre, and the new YMCA Village in Newark, which is home to a wide range of not-for-profit sports, education, training, hospitality and childcare facilities.


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