Young people in Middlesbrough now have access to a state-of-the-art culinary training facility following the official launch of a brand-new kitchen at the Linx Youth Project. The modern, fully equipped space was formally opened by Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke and local Councillor Nicky Walker, who visited the centre to celebrate this significant community achievement.
A Collaborative Community Effort
The kitchen represents the first successful project delivered through Thirteen Group's innovative Match My Project initiative, which connects community organisations with businesses willing to provide practical support and resources. Through this pioneering scheme, Linx Youth Project was partnered with regeneration and energy specialists Equans, who generously donated an ex-display kitchen for reuse within the community centre.
Volunteer Spirit Drives Transformation
During the Christmas period, a dedicated team of volunteers including Linx chief executive Wayne Mason, operations manager Alex Tinkler, and Middlesbrough Youth Mutual coordinator Richard Fruin gave their own time to remove the outdated kitchen facilities. With additional support from Actes Trust chief executive Paul Wales, the team undertook essential repairs and redecoration work to prepare the space for its exciting new installation.
Professional Installation Creates Learning Environment
Local firm TT Installations then fitted the new kitchen completely free of charge, transforming the area into a modern, safe, and welcoming environment where young people can develop essential culinary skills. The professional installation has created an ideal space for practical learning, cooking activities, and the development of crucial life skills that will benefit participants for years to come.
Breaking Down Barriers Through Cooking
Linx business development manager Eilis Sexton emphasised the transformative potential of the new facility, stating: "The previous kitchen had served the community for over two decades and desperately needed replacement, making this project perfectly timed. Cooking together in this new space will help break down social barriers, build confidence among young people, and encourage teamwork within a relaxed, supportive environment."
She added: "The young participants will take genuine pride in their new kitchen, and this facility will serve the community effectively for many years ahead."
Celebrating Partnership Success
To mark the official opening, young people at the centre christened their new kitchen by preparing homemade pizza for their distinguished guests, demonstrating the practical skills they can now develop in the enhanced facilities.
Business and Community Collaboration
Angela Corner, Thirteen's head of Regeneration and Communities, highlighted the power of effective partnership working: "The Match My Project platform successfully connects businesses with community initiatives that create genuine local impact. This inaugural matching has proved tremendously successful and clearly demonstrates how strategic collaboration can deliver tangible benefits for young people across our communities."
Hemlington ward Councillor and Linx founding member Nicky Walker echoed these sentiments, commenting: "This project represents a fantastic collaboration between Linx Youth Project, local businesses, and Thirteen Group. The new kitchen forms a brilliant addition to the centre's facilities and will help countless young people gain practical skills that will support their personal development and future prospects."
Building Future Opportunities
The newly launched kitchen at Linx Youth Project stands as testament to what can be achieved when community organisations, local government, and businesses work together toward common goals. Beyond simply providing cooking facilities, the project creates a nurturing environment where Middlesbrough's young people can develop confidence, teamwork abilities, and practical life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.
