John Blair, The Base Coordinator

In 2005 Harmony Hill Presbyterian Church had a vision for change in the Lambeg community and as a result they started the Church Community Transformation process facilitated by Diane Holt through Tearfund.   

In 2007, The Base Drop-In Centre opened and since then it has served the people of Lambeg, ‘weaving itself into the fabric of the community’ (Community Police).  Through the years we have developed the project and are now open 3 afternoon and 3 evening sessions per week hosting approximately 100 young people, either through the centre or on the streets during our detached sessions. Our current student youth worker, Owen, was one of the first young people to come into The Base and through the years attended the majority of our sessions, availing of various qualifications along the way.  He is now working for us and influencing future generations to come.  From the initial vision of the church, The Base has become a well-respected youth centre and is the only facility in Lambeg to cater for youth.  Without CCT, we would never be where we are today.