On Friday 24th February, Bridget Phillipson, Member of Parliament for Houghton and Sunderland South, and Alan Emerson, the Mayor of Sunderland, attended the YMCA Fencehouses opening of The Harvesters project, a new residential project that provides high quality accommodation and training facilities for young people who have been looked after and are ready to leave care.

The Harvesters project offers seven self-contained en-suite rooms with separate kitchen facilities as well as a communal lounge area and a training room.

Both Ms Phillipson and Mr Emerson gave their speech at the opening ceremony. The Mayor of Sunderland announced the official opening of The Harvesters project, and Bridget Phillipson MP opened the Ron Young Training Room.

Speaking about the project, Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“It was a privilege to officially open the room and recognise Ron’s dedication and hard work.

“The service users will benefit from training and support from experienced and dedicated staff to help them move towards a brighter future. It will also be an important resource for the whole community in Fencehouses.”

Giving the opening speech at the ceremony, the Mayor of Sunderland said:

“I am told that this 7 bed purpose built project was designed on ideas and recommendations from young people between 16 and 21 years old who are preparing to leave their present homes.

“Based on their wish list, this shared building was designed so that residents can begin their journey to independence with the support of a fully trained team of staff on site.

“I would like to wish all of the staff and young people involved with this innovative project, today and in the future the very best of luck.”