HRH The Duke of Gloucester Visits YMCA Cornwall to Mark Major Milestone

The visit recognised both the impact of YMCA Cornwall’s services and the success of our recent fundraising campaign to expand supported accommodation for young people.

A Visit Highlighting Real Impact

During the visit, His Royal Highness met with staff, trustees, supporters and key partners, including representatives from Cornwall Council, Penzance Town Council and the Duke of Cornwall’s Charitable Foundation. The visit provided an opportunity to show the collaborative effort behind the our work and the importance of continued community support.

A highlight of the day was a tour of the site, including one of the newly completed self-contained flats. These new homes are part of a wider development project to create four additional units by repurposing existing space. They project is already making a real difference, with the first flat now complete, with a new resident due to move in shortly, and the remaining three flats due for completion by the end of the summer.

His Royal Highness also met Dan, YMCA Cornwall’s newly appointed Youth Ambassador, and spoke with a former resident Hollisi, who shared her journey through supported housing, as well as her recent achievement of completing the London Marathon in support of YMCA. These stories reflect the life-changing impact of providing not just a place to stay, but the support needed to build independence and confidence.

Meeting a Growing Need

YMCA Cornwall currently provides accommodation for around 51 young people aged 16–24, all of whom are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. With demand continuing to rise, the need for safe, supportive housing has never been greater.

The visit concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the opening of the first new flat and celebrate the success of the fundraising campaign.

Helen Wilson Prowse, Operations Manager at YMCA Cornwall, said:

“We were delighted to welcome The Duke of Gloucester to see first-hand the importance of our work supporting young people. This project demonstrates what can be achieved when communities come together to address a growing need.”

YMCA Cornwall extends its thanks to all funders, partners and supporters, including the Duke of Cornwall’s Charitable Foundation, whose early funding helped bring the project to life.

As the organisation continues its work, the focus remains on providing not just homes, but opportunities for young people to belong, contribute and thrive.