Published: May 12, 2014
Unity Trust Bank, the specialist bank for the social economy, has provided a refinancing package to Swansea YMCA, enabling it to complete the much needed refurbishment of its Grade II listed building, which sits in the heart of the city. Swansea YMCA works to, tackle poverty, promote wellbeing and learning, and is driven by equality. The listed building has been at the centre of the community for over 100 years. This investment from Unity Trust Bank guarantees that this vibrant social business will continue to deliver great value services whilst responding creatively to the needs of children, young people and the community to deliver real social impact for another hundred years.
The organisation is powered by Social Enterprise. The social businesses include, a childcare service, a thriving Health and Wellbeing Centre offering a professional gym and varied range of fitness classes. A Third Sector Suite of offices houses eight local organisations providing a support hub to the local community. The YMCA also offers meeting and training room space, recording studio and theatre rental as well as conference and venue hire solutions at affordable rates.The refurbishment of the site means essential maintenance can be completed on the historic building and accessibility in and around the building has vastly improved.
Anne-Marie Rogan, Chief Executive of Swansea YMCA, said: “Unity Trust Bank was recommended to us by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and was the right choice for us from the start. Our core values and social aims have great synergy, and the bank has gone above and beyond to establish a strong relationship with us. This capital investment comes when we are entering a dynamic era for the organisation and enables us to look to the future with security.”
Jon Field, Relationship Manager for Wales at Unity Trust Bank, said: “It is of utmost importance that organisations such as Swansea YMCA, which is at the heart of the community, are supported to deliver new and improved services to the benefit of local residents. 1,400 people per week visit this building and the organisation helps 5,000 young people a year through various youth projects. Community development is at its core and Unity was thrilled to invest in the development of the site. Essential upgrades were needed to transform the building to give the Swansea community improved access to services and activities to support youth development and health and wellbeing.”
For information and advice on banking services please contact Unity Trust Bank on email: us@unity.co.uk or visit its website at: www.unity.co.uk.
