A transformational rebranding for The Citadel marks a new beginning for the Leith based charity which is now embracing the future with its new look.
The Citadel continues to focus on children and young people but also provides support to families, parents, carers and older members of the community, and that reflects the name change.
The charity have dropped the words “youth centre” from their name and are now just The Citadel. They want to emphasise that the charity is open to anyone no matter their age, and families at all stages from their building at 175 Commercial Street, which used to be a train station.
As part of the launch of their new branding and to celebrate the 46th anniversary of their foundation, the premiere of a film made by young people was screened at the youth centre in Leith.
The film, Citadel Through the Ages, follows the story of a youngster growing up with the support of the group and features the clubs she attends as she grows older.
Chair Kevin Hall said: “If you stand at the front door of the Citadel, you’ll see people arrive on their own and leave feeling part of something. That’s what has made this place so special in Leith for over 45 years and it’s something I see every time I’m here.
“While our core work continues to focus on children and young people aged 5 to 25, the reality today is that the Citadel supports a much wider community — parents, carers, young mums and their babies and older members of the Leith community. This new identity reflects that growth and the role the Citadel now plays in people’s lives.
“We were really pleased to work with Studio LR, a Leith-based agency, who understood the spirit of the Citadel and helped us tell that story more clearly. For me, this next chapter is about making sure people understand what the Citadel is today — a place where everyone is welcome and where people can grow, whatever their starting point.”
Wide range of groups
The Citadel runs youth clubs for children and young people aged 7 to 18, and also run an employability group.
Their group, New Spin, is an intergenerational group which aims to connect and build community.They have weekly drop ins for parents and two groups for young mothers and babies. The organisation aims to welcome all ages offering a welcoming space where families can meet, share stories and offer each other support.
The Citadel works with five schools in Leith at primary and secondary level, offering help to access food, get a bus pass or anything which people find just a bit hard to do on their own.
Cashback for Communities
Citadel is also part of Cashback for Communities Phase 7 and will be supported by the new funding as well as a partnership with the Leith charity the Junction working with young people.
CashBack uses money recovered from seized criminal assets and reinvests it into communities. The funding supports young people by providing safe spaces, training and free activities that build confidence and skills, while also addressing issues that could lead to harm before they develop.
In this latest round of funding a record 51 projects will share up to £26 million – bringing the total amount paid out to CashBack to £156 million since it began in 2008, with more than 1.4 million young people supported so far.
Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown, said: “CashBack for Communities turns the proceeds of crime into life-changing opportunities for the thousands of young people who take part in projects across Scotland every year.”
“Seeing the fantastic work of Scran Academy first hand and meeting the young people benefitting from projects like this, is exactly why investment in the CashBack programme matters.”
“Since 2008, CashBack has had a transformational impact on young people’s lives. This unique initiative underlines our commitment to support Scotland’s young people to live full, healthy lives and to help address some of the underlying causes of crime and antisocial behaviour in our communities.”
