A community centre in Bootle has been given a symbolic valuation of £500 million as part of a national campaign to highlight the critical role such spaces play in supporting mental health. St Leonard’s Youth and Community Centre is one of five hubs across the UK listed with the high price tag to draw attention to their social value amid severe funding cuts.
Key Takeaways
- St Leonard’s Youth and Community Centre in Bootle has been symbolically valued at £500 million.
- The initiative is part of a national campaign by Crown Paints and the mental health charity Mind, launched before World Mental Health Day.
- Research shows 48% of Liverpudlians believe community spaces positively impact their mental health.
- The campaign highlights significant funding cuts, with Sefton Council's spending on these services reportedly down 37%.
- St Leonard's serves over 300 people weekly with essential services like foodbanks and welfare advice.
A Symbolic Price to Showcase Priceless Value
The eye-catching £500 million valuation for St Leonard’s Youth and Community Centre is not a reflection of its market price but a statement on its social worth. The campaign, a collaboration between Crown Paints and the charity Mind, aims to make the invisible value of community hubs visible to policymakers and the public.
Launched ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the initiative has seen five community centres across the country listed on property websites for half a billion pounds each. The goal is to underscore the urgent need for funding to protect these essential spaces from permanent closure.
The Campaign's Core Message
The central argument of the campaign is that without sustained financial support, vital community facilities like libraries, youth clubs, and local halls will continue to disappear. This, the organisers warn, risks permanently damaging the social fabric of communities that rely on them for connection and support.
Amanda Bolton, a spokesperson for Crown Paints, explained the rationale behind the unconventional approach.
"By listing them at this price, we’re making the invisible visible. Britain’s most valuable buildings aren’t penthouses – they’re the community centres and shared spaces that hold our communities together."
Community Spaces and Mental Wellbeing in Liverpool
New research commissioned by Crown Paints reveals the significant positive impact these spaces have on local residents. According to the study, nearly half (48%) of people in Liverpool feel that access to community centres and similar venues benefits their mental health and wellbeing.
The findings also highlight the role of these hubs in combating social isolation. A significant 44% of respondents said these spaces provide a crucial escape from loneliness, while 39% stated they offer a sense of purpose.
Liverpool Residents' Concerns
- 48% believe community spaces have a positive impact on their mental health.
- 44% say they offer a vital break from isolation and loneliness.
- 44% are worried about what will be left for future generations if these centres close.
Andrew Berrie, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, emphasised the connection between community connection and mental health.
"Community spaces are important for our mental wellbeing. They provide accessible, welcoming places to connect with others and help reduce loneliness, which can have a negative impact on mental health," he said.
He added that the research shows the public feels their loss deeply, stating, "Protecting these spaces must be part of the national conversation on mental health.”
A National Funding Crisis with Local Consequences
The campaign is set against a backdrop of dwindling financial support for community services. Freedom of Information data shows a worrying trend, with local authority funding for cultural and community services across the UK falling by an average of 18% since 2022. This has contributed to more than 4,000 public buildings being sold off each year.
The impact is felt acutely in Merseyside. Sefton Council, the local authority for Bootle where St Leonard’s is located, has reportedly seen a 37% reduction in spending on these services. The situation is even more severe in neighbouring Liverpool, where Liverpool City Council’s funding has reportedly fallen by 64%.
This financial pressure raises concerns about the long-term viability of centres that provide frontline support. The survey found that 44% of Liverpool residents are worried about the legacy being left for future generations if local hubs disappear.
St Leonard's A Lifeline for the Bootle Community
St Leonard’s has been an integral part of the Bootle community since the 1800s, serving as a vital support system in an area facing significant deprivation. The 8,000-square-metre facility is more than just a building; it is a hub of activity and support for hundreds of local people.
Each week, the centre assists over 300 individuals through a range of essential services. These include:
- Foodbanks for families in need
- Community lunches to foster connection
- Exercise classes for physical and mental health
- Welfare advice to help with complex issues
Debbie Shelley, the Centre Manager at St Leonard's, described its role in the community.
"St Leonard’s Youth and Community Centre has always been more than a building – it’s the place our community turns to when they need connection or support. Listing it as one of Britain’s most valuable buildings is a reminder that the services we provide are priceless to the people who rely on them.”
As part of its 'Project Possible' commitment, Crown Paints has also launched an online hub with fundraising tips for community centres and plans to donate over 50,000 litres of paint to support community projects nationwide.