Councillor welcomes next step in Westfield Centre Partnership with University of York to benefit local community

After over a year of development and fundraising, a project to give young people in Westfield the same opportunities as elsewhere in the city is now going public, taking the next step which includes consultation with residents on the proposal to deliver activities from Sanderson House (Chapelfields Community Centre). This project builds on the success of Early Talk for York aimed at improving outcomes for the most disadvantaged children at the very start of their schooling, to provide young people with activities designed to inspire them to explore new pathways to success so that each child can reach their full potential. As well as activities for children, the centre will also provide adult learning, and whole family interventions.

This is the culmination of recognising the work needed for full inclusion and all parts of the Council and partners working to support families and the challenges faced by households across our city. The Project has been developed in collaboration with Westfield Primary School, York High School and other partners including Lib Dem Ward Councillor Andrew Waller. Cllr Andrew Waller said “This is a wonderful opportunity for investment in our community, raising the hopes and aspirations of our young people and support for adult learners and families. I will be making the case for meaningful consultation and ongoing engagement with the community on the future use of Sanderson House so that this is seen as keeping existing sessions and developing many more, broadening the use of this valuable community asset. We want this to be a long-term initiative which will bear fruit in years to come through full engagement with all sections of the community and I support the intention that this could spread to similar areas in other parts of the city. York is a successful city and would be even more successful if everyone were included.”