Across England and Wales, we operate as a federation with 116 local YMCAs that work to support young people in their communities. YMCAs share a common goal to create supportive, inclusive and energising communities where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.
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We operate in almost 740 different communities across England and Wales impacting upon the lives of more than 630,000 people every year.
The work we do every day to support young people is made to happen by nearly 7,000 members of staff and more than 5,100 volunteers.
- 105,000 people provided with support and advice
- 18,000 homeless people housed
- 230,000 children, young people and parents supported
- 125,000 people engaged in health and wellbeing activities
- 68,000 people engaged in education and training
Together, as the YMCA federation in England and Wales, we focus our work around the following key areas of work:
Accommodation
We supply nearly 10,000 beds every night, ranging from emergency accommodation to supported living.
Family Work
We deliver a wide range of family services, including nurseries, after school clubs and relationship services.
Health & Wellbeing
YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of services promoting health and wellbeing in England.
Training & Education
YMCAs offer a range of education, skills-based training, placement and apprenticeship schemes.
Support & Advice
YMCA is there for every young person in the community, supporting them through difficult times with a wide range of services.
Policy and Research
Our Policy and Research work aims at giving young people a voice.
Our vision
YMCA’s vision in England and Wales is of an inclusive Christian movement transforming communities so that all young people can belong, contribute and thrive.
Our values
The way we act at YMCA is characterised by five strong and distinctive values that flow from our Christian ethos.
We seek out
- We actively look for opportunities to make a transformative impact on young lives in the communities where we work, and believe that every person is of equal value.
We welcome
- We offer people the space they need to feel secure, respected, heard and valued; and we always protect, trust, hope and persevere.
We inspire
- We strive to inspire each person we meet to nurture their body, mind and spirit, and to realise their full potential in all they do.
We speak out
- We stand up for young people, speak out on issues that affect their lives, and help them to find confidence in their own voice.
We serve others
- We are committed to the wellbeing of the communities we serve and believe in the positive benefit of participation, locally and in the wider world.