What happens in the Peace Centre?

The Centre is jointly owned by The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace and the NSPCC. In addition, Warrington Youth Club has a long-term lease to use the building. The Foundation runs educational peace programmes in conflict management, communication and citizenship aimed at young people who are excluded from educational and social opportunities. The NSPCC offer a drop in facility throughout the week for young. The Youth Club offer organised activities, by age, in the evenings.

What is the name of the building?

The official name of the building is 'The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Young People's Centre' but is locally known as the 'Peace Centre' and this is the name that the Centre partners use.

Can anyone stay at the Centre?

Many people believe the Centre is a public building funded by the council - it isn't. It was built to deliver a range of services and programmes for young people in the community and each partner organisation independently fundraises to deliver their programmes and meet their share of the running costs.

We are not able to charge to hire out the residential rooms and cannot accept bookings as a conference type facility.

Is the Centre open at the weekends?

The partner organisations do run residential programmes and the groups attending these usually have exclusive use of the Centre. It is not open to the public during the weekends.

How much money does the Foundation need to raise each year?

The Foundation needs to raise approximately £500,000 each year to meet the cost of running our programmes and our contribution towards the running costs of the Centre. As our work expands to include wider national and international activities, these figures will increase.

How do you raise the money?

The Foundation applies for funding from a variety of public and private grant-giving Trusts. In addition, a variety of fundraising events are held each year and sponsorship and support is sought from individuals and companies.

Does Colin Parry work at the Centre?

No, Colin is Chair of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, but is not employed by the Foundation. He works for as a volunteer.

The wood outside of the building looks like it needs staining.

The wood used is Western Red Cedar pre treated and designed to change colour 'gracefully' to a soft silver grey tone. The wood should only need treating in about another 60 years.

How many children use the centre?

Since the Centre was opened in 2000 over 16,000 young people have used the centre's facilities.