St Helens YMCA has long cherished the vision of the Beacon; as a one stop shop offering a range of services under one roof.  The vision for the Beacon was developed in consultation with a wide variety of partners with the aim of providing a seamless service to give people the life chances they need.

Funded by a number of sources including money from the Europe Regional Development Fund; Neighbourhood Renewal Funds; St Helens College; St Helens Together; Merseyside Connexions and Merseyside Learning and Skills Council.

The Beacon opened in October 2007.