Open Youth Trust

Through the Lind Trust, Graham purchased a former bank to become a major youth venue.

In 2003 through the Lind Trust, Graham bought the grade II-listed, former Barclays Bank building on Bank Plain in Norwich, and began a £12m investment programme, transforming it into the Open youth venue – home to recording and dance studios, media workshops, free internet access and a drop-in service.

A 1200-capacity concert venue, a night club with room for 440, the tallest climbing wall in Norfolk, a dance studio, media suite, café and health centre are all included.

'Open' is owned and managed by the Open Youth Trust, which has been involved in a number of youth-related projects including the SOS Bus, which provides a mobile safe haven for young people in difficulties after a night out in Norwich.

The Open project received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2010.

“While I was working in Barbados in 2001, I felt a personal calling from God to come back to Norwich and set up an alternative to the drug and alcohol culture for young people. I then went on to do my youth work and ministry training and worked with a lot of young people in Norfolk.

“So providing the venue here and getting it open is a massive achievement personally for me and is fulfilling what I believe God has asked me to do.”

Project Director, Russ Dacre