Bury St Edmunds' St Edmundsbury Cathedral officially opened its outdoor space for young people
St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds officially opened its sustainability and youth project ‘The Yard’ on Saturday.
The Yard had previously been an overgrown area of the cathedral, but has since been redeveloped as part of a social action project for young people.
The project aims to create a dedicated place for young people in the cathedral gardens and a space they can make their own.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, The Yard was opened by Mark Pendlington, Suffolk’s High Sheriff and the Senior Non-Executive Member of St Edmundsbury Cathedral’s Chapter.
The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, said: “I am proud to celebrate the excellent work the Yard Project has been doing since it was launched last year, and in particular, the gently welcoming, reassuring, and sensitive presence of Jane Dow, the project worker.
“At a time of real challenge to our young people, The Yard stands for something hopeful, life giving and inclusive. I am proud that St Edmundsbury Cathedral is committed to it.”
Mark Pendlington presented the Yard with a High Sherriff Award. High Sheriff's Awards are designed to reward the volunteers, charities and community groups in Suffolk who devote their time and energy to improve the communities in which they live and work, to make Suffolk a better and safer place.
Responses to a wellbeing survey in summer 2022 showed that showed that 80 per cent of young people’s mood and wellbeing increased after their visit and 20 per cent showed no change but started with a ‘really good’ or ‘fantastic’ mood to begin with.
The project was made possible through funding from Dulverton Trust in partnership with the Lottery Heritage Fund as well as additional funding from Co-op Community Cares Fund, the Lord Belstead Charitable Settlement, the Suffolk Public Mental Health programme COVID Memorialisation grant, West Suffolk Council Locality budget, Sue and James Cockram and Holiday Activities and Food Programme, delivered through West Suffolk Council.
