Bellshill and Mossend YMCA is strengthening its role as a safe, welcoming space for children, young people and families after receiving over £300,000 from our Transmission Net Zero Fund to decarbonise and improve its energy performance.
The £301,504 investment has funded a package of practical upgrades focused on comfort and affordability, including air source heat pumps, new LED lighting and triple glazed windows.
The centre supports people across the community day-to-day, including through services such as its community food bank, which provides essential food aid for those who need it most.
The YMCA has sustainability at the heart of its strategic plan, with commitments to promote environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and green energy, alongside investment in green infrastructure and eco-friendly initiatives that benefit both the organisation and the wider community.
Graham Campbell, Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "When a community space is relied on every week, improving how the building performs matters. The Transmission Net Zero Fund supports organisations to cut carbon, boost energy efficiency and bring down the cost of running the services people depend on.
"Bellshill and Mossend YMCA is a place people in North Lanarkshire rely on. By investing in sustainable upgrades, we're helping create a building that's warmer, more resilient, and better prepared for the future while continuing to serve local needs today."
Ann-Marie McGonigal, CEO at Bellshill & Mossend YMCA, said: "This building is here for the community on the good days and the hard days. Whether that's young people needing a safe space, families looking for support, or those in need coming in during the food bank.
"This YMCA exists to respond to what local people actually need, with community voices at the heart of decisions. Investing in green infrastructure is a practical way to protect services long-term, keeping the doors open to deliver support as needs change.
"When you're running a community facility, every pound that goes into avoidable energy loss is a pound that can't go into services. These changes help us focus our time and resources where they matter - which is to support local people."
Energy Saving Trust administers the Transmission Net Zero Fund, supporting community organisations throughout the process from application to delivery, and helping ensure funded projects are set up to get the full benefit from new low-carbon technologies.
Graham Ayling, Senior Project Manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: "Community buildings often operate on tight budgets, and the impact of rising running costs can be immediate, such as spaces reducing opening hours, limiting activities or delaying essential maintenance. Targeted upgrades can change that trajectory and futureproof historic buildings.
"What's important is not just installing new technology, but making sure organisations understand how to operate it well. Our support and workshops help teams feel confident managing new systems, so the savings and comfort improvements are locked in for the long term."
Bellshill and Mossend YMCA has a strong focus on delivering inclusive, accessible activities that support physical and mental wellbeing for all ages, while also creating more opportunities for people to connect through clubs, events and community initiatives in order to reduce social isolation.
A key goal is supporting young people, particularly those with care experience or those facing barriers, through mentoring, leadership opportunities and life skills programmes that improve confidence and future options.