YMCA England & Wales

Why YMCA❓

Because of the strong vision and values that inspire our work across 688 communities every day. 🌟

At YMCA:

🔻 We seek out 🫡
🔻 We welcome 🫂
🔻 We inspire 🧠💡
🔻 We speak out 📢
🔻 We serve others 👥

Intrigued to find out more? 🎉

Visit our website now 👇: https://www.ymca.org.uk/about/vision-values

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One week down from the public vote. The momentum is certainly on for the fabulous this year! 🙌

Not yet cast your vote? 🏆

We've got everything you need to help make your decision.

Learn more about the stunning semi-finalists and projects here: https://ymca.org.uk/awards/

🌟 It’s ! 🙌

At YMCA, we believe in the power of young people every day.

Young people are changemakers.

Young people are creators leading innovation.

Young people pave the way and redefine success on their own terms.

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to YMCA Barnsley for their incredible holiday youth club sessions over the first few weeks of the school break!

School might be out for the Summer holidays, but learning doesn't stop at YMCA. 🥳

Local YMCAs have been providing fun and educational activities across the communities we serve, keeping young people engaged and entertained during the Summer ☀️break.

YMCA Barnsley has recently provided their young people with healthy living 🍽️ and budgeting skills🧾, putting the young people up to the challenge of creating a delicious, nutritious meal from scratch to enjoy together! 🫐🥬🥗💚

The young people did a phenomenal job, and they gained the opportunity to embrace teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Bravo everyone. 👏

Did you know the Indian YMCA Student Hostel (ISH) in Central London's former site was at the Shakespeare Hut in 1920? 📍

Known as a "little bit of India in Britain", after three years at its temporary location, the time had come to resettle in a new home. 🧡

In 1923, YMCA ISH, a project of the National Council of YMCAs of India, relocated to 112 Gower Street and became a popular attraction for Indian students and visitors.

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Today is the Basketball finals at the Olympic Games !

YMCA is proud of its heritage with the influential sport as we recognise our history through .

Basketball was invented by a YMCA worker, James Naismith, in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1891. 🏀

It was first played in England at YMCA Birkenhead in 1892. 🙌 🇬🇧

We're incredibly proud of this group of young residents from YMCA Humber who have taken a valiant stride and shown sheer motivation to further their future prospects!

Through the two-week Digital Inclusion course run by National Employer Training
these six brilliant young people are now equipped to go out into the world of work, find belonging and make a real impact in their communities.

Scott Walker, Skills and Employability Tutor at NET UK said, "The students again have been excellent, very dedicated, and a lot of fun to be around. They are a massive credit to themselves, and I am really pleased with the outcome."

The programme supports 16-24-year-olds in getting into employment or education, and upon successful completion, they will gain relevant industry qualifications.

to 1932 when YMCA of Greater Toronto's own Horacio Gwyne brought home Olympic Gold in the Bantamweight Class. 🏆

Let's give it up for ✨ history and cheer for this year's Boxing Olympic finalists at Paris 2024.🥊

Dhaka YMCA began in 1965, and after the country gained independence in 1971, the YMCA grew, and several local YMCAs were formed.

Nearly ten years later, the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh was developed and became a recognised member of the World YMCA in 1977.

Starting with training and education for children, adults and people experiencing poverty. Today, YMCA Dhaka provides wider support to the community with the induction of non-formal education and English language courses! 👏

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We help whole families to flourish.

We have safe and trusted Early Years care and developmental activities, family support and mediation help when difficult issues arise at home - or school, summer and school holiday camps, and activities that are just plain fun for everyone. 💛

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4dzFSxT

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Why YMCA❔Because we believe in fairness and opportunity for all.

There are essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home, acceptance, guidance, friendship, physical and mental health, academic support, employment skills, and access to real opportunities.

Many young people have never known these things; other people have lost one or more as they grew up, but we all need them—all of us.

At YMCA, we provide these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ccy7Nf

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Childhood is a pivotal point in life, a time of social, emotional, and personal development.

YMCA believe that everyone should be able to enjoy being young. 🌟

Join us this as we embrace the spirit and importance of .

Find out how you can support your local YMCA here: https://bit.ly/3Yiqr8Z

Discover the magic within YMCA, where transformational stories like Magnus' don't just happen; they are the fruits of labour that stem from young people being given access to real opportunities, a sense of community, and acceptance.

After leaving home at 21, Magnus, like many other young people YMCA supports, was left with nowhere to go.

Following a turbulent three months in temporary accommodation, it was at YMCA Exeter where Magnus eventually found stability this year and settled down into a place he could call his own. 🏠

"I can be independent and cook for myself, but there is also support here." Magnus, YMCA Exeter Resident.

Through developing new skills and being equipped with the tools to thrive. Magnus has been given an incredible unconditional offer University of Exeter to study Archaeology in September! 🎉 🎉

Well done, Magnus; we can't wait to see all you achieve in the very bright future ahead of you. 🌟

Read more: https://bit.ly/3Wwdaap

All of us at YMCA are shocked and saddened at the scenes of mindless violence that we have witnessed on the streets of our communities over the past few days.

Our communities are for all. They welcome all, and in times of turmoil and division it is imperative that communities come together and embrace the strength of our diversity and inclusion. Violence is never the answer, and discrimination is never the solution.

YMCA statement in full: https://bit.ly/4do5td8

The oldest basketball court in the world is in a YMCA in Paris! ⛹️🇫🇷

This piece of history has been in continuous use since 1893, just two years after basketball was invented at YMCA. 🏀

As Paris hosts the Olympics this year Paris 2024, we're especially proud to highlight this iconic piece of sports history. 🎉💪

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🌟 The public vote for 2024 is now OPEN! 🌟🥳

YMCA's Youth Matters Awards is back for its 15th year.

We're excited to announce this year's standout semi-finalists with incredible young people, staff, volunteers and projects truly making an impact across the communities we serve.

But first.. meet the esteemed judges for Youth Matters Awards 2024!

Introducing Elaine McCulloch, Community & Colleague Engagement Specialist.

Vote now at: https://bit.ly/4fuFoLf

Well done to 6 of our residents who have completed the Digital Inclusion course with National Employer Training👏

We are extremely proud of how hard you have all worked to complete this two-week course, and a big thank you to NET UK for making this course enjoyable for our residents.

Scott Walker, Skills and Employability Tutor at NET UK said, "its always a pleasure teaching here, I have been here for 3 weeks and I love the people and the venue so thank you.

The students again have been excellent, very dedicated and a lot of fun to be around, they are a massive credit to themselves and I am really pleased with the outcome."

Fun Fact - Olympics edition! 🥳

YMCA has nurtured many Olympic athletes who have gone on to achieve great success. 🙌

Athletes like John Smith, who won gold 🏆 in swimming, and Mary Johnson, a gymnastics champion🤸 , began their journeys with YMCA.

And, of course, Ian Crocker, winner of four gold medals in 2000 and 2004, learned how to swim at the YMCA in Portland, Oregon, USA. 🏊

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Join us in honouring YMCA's contributions to the world of sport.

From YMCA's invention of volleyball and basketball to the production of Olympic champions,

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YMCA India was formally founded in 1875 after experiencing several setbacks. It was a fruitful addition to YMCA Bombay and Trivandrum YMCA.

YMCA India went on to become an established member of World YMCA in 1889. With support from YMCA INDIA, the National Council of YMCAs in India. YMCA has propelled its services forward to deliver young people services including training and development!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4c7uYhN

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As we continue to celebrate in August, we're proud to honour K.M. Phillip, the first President of World YMCA from South Asia.

As President of the World Alliance of YMCAs 🌍 from 1975-1977, we reflect on Phillip's contributions and the rich cultural heritage that shapes our diverse and vibrant YMCA community.

Let's embrace cultural exchange, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the accomplishments of those from South Asian communities.

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We are spotlighting YMCA movements for !

Founded in 1990, YMCA Nepal has 1,000 members and works across 13 regions within Nepal. 🙌

Its primary programmes include youth work, poverty alleviation, supporting women, and the ‘Save the Himalayas’ campaign to build civil society.

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YMCA Youth Ambassadors enjoyed a lovely weekend together, receiving valuable training and embarking on an exciting trip to St Paul's Cathedral.

Empowering young people to embrace their unique journeys and experiences to raise the profile of youth voices. The Youth Ambassadors visited the National Council office in London on Saturday for an insightful workshop, "How to Tell Your Story."

The young people gained skills in public speaking, equipping the Youth Ambassadors to purposely share their stories tailored to specific audiences to enhance their campaign calls and actions.

After the session, the Youth Ambassadors headed on a heritage tour at St Paul's Cathedral to see the tomb of Sir George Williams, who founded YMCA.

Join us in marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Let’s stand against this act of injustice and amplify the importance of leaving no child behind in the fight against human trafficking.

Official opening! 🏡 💙

New supported housing is set to serve local young people!

YMCA Cheltenham held a fantastic launch to mark the opening of its new supported housing project, which is designed to combat the prevalent homelessness young people are experiencing.

A big congratulations to YMCA Cheltenham!

Our commitment to sports and physical fitness continues with a wide range of programmes designed to encourage healthy lifestyles. 👥

From youth leagues and fitness classes to community sports events, YMCA promotes physical wellbeing for all. 🙌

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