Prince gives royal approval to Norwich YMCA
 HRH the Duke of Edinburgh gave the royal seal of approval to the £2.9m Norwich Central YMCA redevelopment when he visited the accommodation facility on Wednesday June 24 to thank some of those who made it possible, as well as meeting young YMCA residents.
The Norwich Central YMCA, on All Saints Green opposite the new Norwich bus station, opened in January and focuses on serving the accommodation needs of 16-25 year olds, both male and female, from across the county. It provides 34 en-suite bedrooms and support facilities including a restaurant, training rooms, communal lounges and a health and education unit.  Prince Philip met YMCA Norfolk staff and board members as well as young residents and those who had been involved in developing the building. He also met the Lord Mayoress, Chairman of Norfolk County Council, Bishop Graham James and the Assistant Chief Constable. The Prince then unveiled a commemorative plaque, signed the visitors book and toured the facility, which was full within a few weeks of its opening in January. YMCA resident Jason Hudson, 20, was one of those Prince Philip spoke to and described him as “very friendly and chatty”. Jason was one of the first residents when the building opened on January 5 and is now doing a Duke of Edinburgh bronze award.  He said: “Prince Philip asked what I thought of the place and I said it was great and that they have done a lot for me here. He chatted to me about my life and what I was doing and I told him about the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme which he said was really good. “He was such a nice person, very friendly and very chatty.”
John Drake, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA Norfolk, who also met the Prince, said: “we were honoured and delighted that HRH, the Duke of Edinburgh has taken time to visit us to witness first hand the achievements made by our staff, clients, stakeholders and the wider community.”
 Businesses, organisations, community groups and individuals are being offered the opportunity to come forward and invest £3,000 spread over three years as a contribution to enhancing the services the YMCA supplies to its clients.
John Drake, said: “We already have a number of room sponsors but are hoping that more will come forward. The two-stage development includes 74 bedrooms, plus training rooms, kitchens and offices. It is a great opportunity for local groups to make a real difference and help homeless young people in our county.
“Room sponsorship is a demonstrable way businesses, organisations, churches or families can show solidarity with us as we seek to meet the needs of young people. The investment is not just in bricks and mortar but in the lives of those most at risk today.”
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