The University of York is working in partnership with the City of York Council, local FE and HE providers, schools and businesses across our city to create a centre in the heart of Westfield, York that will deliver learning opportunities with and for our community.
This collaboration is based upon a shared concern for the children in our city growing up in poverty and our belief in the power of education to transform young people’s lives.
Sanderson House was built by the City of York council in 2005 with strong input from local residents who helped design the space. The building was established as a community asset and has been the venue for many local initiatives and projects over the years.
For many years, the building was managed by Chapelfields Community Association and was a hive of activity.
Between 2018 and 2023, City of York council managed the building and supported local initiatives to take place including a weekly community hub, food bank and bingo sessions run by Chapelfields Community Association, an after school youth group run by Gateway Church and an office base for Accessible Arts Media.
In 2023, Sanderson House entered a new phase aimed at opening new opportunities with the local community.
The Place is a venue, right in the heart of the Chapelfields estate that provides support, fun and respite for the residents of Westfield. The main focus is improving the lives of children who live in the local area. It will achieve this by working directly with young people, in partnership with the adults who live alongside them, investing in an area that has been underserved.
The Vision
Our collective vision is to provide a safe space for children and young people to learn and grow and for adults to connect and access support.
At The Place, we are focused on improving the lives of children who live in the local area and will do this by working directly with young people, in partnership with the adults who live alongside them, investing in an area that has been underserved.
With a firm belief in the power of education to transform lives, The Place will empower young people and adults to realise their potential and aspirations.
The Place is about opening opportunities for all, helping children to reach their full potential by improving wellbeing and mental health, growing confidence and happiness and supporting a community to access support, advice and services.
It will continue to be the venue for Chapelfields Community Association’s Thursday community hub, food bank and Tuesday Bingo session, the City of York Council Housing drop in session, Gateway Church Youth Group and Accessible Arts Media.
The Aims
The project aims:
- To provide a safe space for learning, relaxing and fun
- To empower young people to build strong, supportive peer groups
- To reduce the gap in attainment between advantaged and less advantaged children
- To improve school attendance at primary and secondary school
- To support a positive transition to primary and secondary school
- To reduce the gap in progression to higher education between advantaged and less advantaged children
- To increase progression to further education, including apprenticeships
- To empower young people to take up and experience the exciting opportunities their city has to offer
- To reduce feelings of isolation among children and adults
- To improve mental health among children and adults
- To support young people and adults in accessing services, advice and support
Why become a member?
Children and young people who take part in activities run by The Place will need to become a member.
Becoming a member is free and will help the team to keep everyone safe and well when at The Place.
At The Place we understand the importance of keeping children and young people in our care safe. By becoming a member of The Place we can work with you, our valued families, to collect the essential information we need to operate important policies and procedures should an emergency situation arise.
Becoming a member also helps us to understand the impact of The Place and if what we are doing is useful and of interest to the local community.
Visit the website to find out what's happening and how to sign up!
