Southwater Youth Project CIO
Southwater Youth Project CIO (SYP CIO) is an independent charity (Charity number: 1197216) which supports children and young people of Southwater by supporting mental wellbeing and promoting positive self-esteem. The youth project has served the village since 2006, providing a welcoming place for young people to meet, take part in activities and build confidence.
SYP CIO provides indoor and outdoor activities for children and young people between the ages of 8 to 19 in the Southwater area. Their focus is upon helping children be the best that they can and believe in themselves. It provides opportunities to develop friendships, skills and self-esteem.
The Youth worker and team of volunteers works with schools, wardens, PCSO, Parish Council, local businesses and volunteer residents. This collaborative approach is both inclusive and influential and unites the Southwater Community.
Southwater Parish Council supports SYP through grant funding and by providing space for its activities at The Ghyll. SYP runs its own services and works with local partners and volunteers to support young people in the community.
For more information please visit their website - Southwater Youth Project Website
Check out their Facebook Page - Southwater Youth Project Facebook Page
Relocation to The Ghyll in 2024
At its extraordinary meeting on 24 April 2024, Southwater Parish Council agreed to progress the relocation of Southwater Youth Project CIO (SYP) from the first floor of Beeson House to the former café area at The Ghyll. The Council authorised up to £20,000 excluding VAT for the necessary alterations and moving costs. The Executive Officer’s correspondence of August 2024 records clearance for Southwater Ghyll CIO to proceed with its preferred contractor, subject to the Council’s £20,000 excluding VAT limit.
Southwater Ghyll CIO, which holds the licence to manage The Ghyll, arranged the alterations to the former café area under its management and licence arrangements. The Parish Council funded the relocation works by reimbursing Southwater Ghyll CIO for its costs. On 29 October 2024, Southwater Ghyll CIO signed a sub-licence of the space to the Council, and the Council signed a further sub-licence to SYP at a peppercorn rent.
Grant funding from April 2025
The Council entered into a new grant funding agreement with SYP for the three years from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028. It provides core funding for youth services in Southwater, with scheduled increases in each year, and additional funding from 2026–27 to support a part-time youth worker. The agreement also requires SYP to provide quarterly updates and an annual report to the Council.