Youth charity unveils upgraded support space

The Youth Investment Fund has enabled The Lowdown to modernise, extend and open up its space

A youth charity has transformed a space following a £1m renovation to improve accessibility, sustainability and support services.

The Lowdown on Kingswell Street, Northampton, reopened earlier this month after it received about £1.3m from a Youth Investment Fund in 2023 to modernise its facilities.

The charity provides free and confidential mental health support for eight to 25-year-olds.

Sharon Womersley, the organisation's chief executive officer, said: "It has been a rollercoaster journey, with a few bumps along the road, but the results are amazing.

"We now have a space that young people and everyone who works here loves."

The Youth Investment Fund is supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and is a part of the government's National Youth Guarantee, which aims to improve opportunities for young people across England.

The Lowdown reopened on 11 January and celebrated with an event on 23 January

The renovation included modern counselling rooms, office spaces for staff, a waiting area showcasing artwork by young people and the installation of gender-neutral toilets.

The investment also enabled the charity to refurbish its listed building, construct a two-storey extension, expand its youth services, and establish a Youth Advisory Board.

James Saunders Watson, the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, opened the new space alongside Youth Advisory Board members on 23 January.

More than 80 people attended the event, which included a tour of the upgraded facilities.

One team member said: "I love that there are more rooms, meaning the Lowdown can support even more young people. And best of all, the services and team are back together."