YMCA Taunton has received a generous £3,300 donation from local construction firm Wrencon Ltd, helping to fund an additional auto belay for the centre’s new indoor climbing hall – currently under development as part of our major site renovation.
Wrencon Ltd has been the main contractor leading the refurbishment works since July 2024, helping to transform the YMCA Taunton site into a vibrant, modern space that will better serve the needs of young people and the wider community.
The climbing hall is one of several new facilities being created thanks to funding from the Youth Investment Fund (YIF), alongside multi-use activity rooms, a training kitchen and a digital studio. These new spaces will allow YMCA Taunton to expand its youth provision – including sessions for young carers, youth clubs, life skills and wellbeing support.
Auto belays are an essential part of a safe, inclusive climbing space. Each one allows a climber to scale the wall without the need for a partner, increasing independence, flexibility and access. While the original vision for the climbing wall included 15 auto belays, unforeseen circumstances means that YMCA Taunton can now initially only fund five.
Thanks to Wrencon’s sponsorship, YMCA Taunton can now add a sixth.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Wrencon Ltd for their generous support. Climbing offers far more than just physical activity – it’s a powerful tool for building confidence, managing anxiety, improving focus, and creating community. This donation helps us move one step closer to making climbing accessible to even more young people and community members across Taunton.”
Clare Langley, CEO of YMCA Taunton
“As a local business, we’re proud to support projects that invest in young people’s futures. The YMCA is doing brilliant work with this redevelopment, and we’re excited to be part of something that will have such a lasting, positive impact on the community.”
Jake Elsmore, Director of Wrencon Ltd
YMCA Taunton is now appealing to other businesses and local supporters to sponsor further auto belays, with each unit costing £3,300.
If your business could help local young people reach new heights, please get in touch via info@ymcataunton.co.uk or visit our blog about sponsoring our climbing hall.
