In
1990, concern in the Whitehaven parish church over the welfare of the young
people of Copeland led to the conception of The Whitehaven Youth Trust.
Discussions with Copeland Borough Council resulted in the possibility of
the trust utilising the Market Hall, a Grade II listed building in a prominent
site in the Town Centre which wasbadly in need of refurbishment. Copeland
Borough Council refurbished the hall and after completion the first floor
was leased to the Youth Trust.The trust applied for Charitable status and launched an appeal, the first donation being from Copeland Borough Council of the offer of free accommodation at 44 Roper Street to be used as a temporary Appeals Office.A volunteer was appointed as Appeals Coordinator with the task of raising £50,000 through contacting local businessmen and various national concems.The eventual figure of £70,000 was raised, the donors including BNFL and various Charitable Trusts.
The aims and objectives of the Trust were originally to educate and assist young people to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capabilities by providing a centre for meetings, lectures, training classes, advice, and counselling.The trust evolved and adapted to concentrate on securing training and jobs for unemployed young people in the area.
Since 1993 the Trust has helped:
• 563 Young people with training for NVQs
• 148 Homeless young people
• 55,000 at the Healthy Living Centre (HLC)