YMCA East Surrey and Land and City Family Trust (LCFT) have joined forces to secure the future of the Old Pheasantry Outdoor Residential Centre on Colley Hill. The property, built in 1912 and set in five acres of countryside adjoining the North Downs Way, houses a small special needs school as well as offering overnight accommodation for groups of up to 26 children and young people.
Both the YMCA and the LCFT have similar aims – helping children and young people facing disadvantage and deprivation to develop their potential and go on to become independent and successful adults.
The YMCA already brings positive impact to over 8,100 young people across Surrey through its extensive services in childcare, sports, youth work, short breaks for children with disability and counselling.
The Old Pheasantry
YMCA East Surrey’s Chief Executive, Ian Burks, says:
“We have been working with trustees at LCFT for over a year now and we are delighted to have formalised this partnership so that we can continue the great work that goes on at the Old Pheasantry. We are hoping to be able to help sustain and enhance services and enable more local children and young people to benefit and learn from the great outdoors!”
LCFT is a UK Registered Charity set up almost 40 years ago. The Trust seeks to support children, young adults and diverse groups, who would otherwise be disadvantaged, by providing holiday accommodation where they can learn different interpersonal and practical skills.
LCFT Co-Chairman, Jeff Harris, says:
“Over the past three years, I’ve been privileged to have worked with some wonderful people at this dream location. Handing over to the fantastic team at the YMCA will ensure that the dream continues.”
Recent visitors to The Old Pheasantry have included Brownies, Guides, Woodcraft Folk and Mencap groups. YMCA East Surrey has plans to offer the centre to existing funded YMCA groups such as young people with emotional wellbeing and mental health issues, children and young people with disabilities, youth clubs and Y-Kids playschemes.
Ian Burks says:
“Children have missed out on key stages of development due to the Pandemic and the current cost of living crisis is putting financial strain on many families. It is more important than ever that we continue to provide new opportunities for young people to belong, contribute and thrive.”
“I’d like to thank all the trustees at the Old Pheasantry for their outstanding service over many years to young people in Surrey and greater London. In particular, I’d like to thank Bob Gardener for reaching out to the YMCA and to Jeff Harris, the current chair, who has put so much positive energy and passion into making the centre such a success.”
“It will be exciting to see what we can achieve together in the future.”
