Transforming the lives of young people is the aim of YMCA Norfolk staff who gathered for a day of inspiration, fun and awards on April 18 at the King’s Centre in Norwich.
Soul Church pastor, Jon Norman, spoke about leadership and said: “Sometimes it is the small things that have the biggest impact, the little conversations with young people that can transform their lives. Each and every person at YMCA Norfolk is a leader and can have an impact on thousands of lives.”
Chair of trustees, Richard Pennington, encouraged staff to continue to transform young people’s lives.
Chaplain, Simon Chapman, encouraged staff that they can make young people’s dreams come true.
The 80 colleagues present then took part in a number of team-building games – build the highest tower, strawberry lace races and a relay race.
CEO Tim Sweeting, gave a presentation on the organisational strategy for the next three years – which aims to transform young lives in body, mind and spirit.
Tim celebrated successes over the year, including helping a high number of young people into work, developing staff, a reduction in financial liabilities and higher fundraising than ever before.
He also outlined upcoming challenges: “The government’s review of supported housing will bring challenges,” said Tim, “and could mean funding cuts at the same time as reduced funding from charitable trusts.”
Tim also spoke about changes to ways of working as funding will in future be based around outcomes for young people not for services.
Tim Eyres, Head of services and Partnership at North Norfolk & Broadland Early Help, then spoke about engaging with children, young people and their families and communities at the first point of need and maximising opportunities for them to achieve their potential.
YMCA Norfolk Business Development Director, Jason Beattie, encouraged staff to celebrate the 160th anniversary and be a part of the many events planned for the year. He also launched an intranet facility, which was very well received.
During the middle part of the day was the presentation of staff awards.
The Finance Team was named Fundraising Team of the Year for organising a Bring and Buy sale, Christmas hamper raffle, and taking part in street collections. Highly Commended were MyPlace and the Families Team.
Fundraiser of the Year was Joe Bickerdike, who took part in the London Marathon and the Tour De Y cycle challenge. Highly commended were Priscilla Graham and Kevin Dynes.
Charlie Wall was chosen by young people as Staff Member of the Year because, they said: “He has always helped me and got time for me; he is uplifting; takes time out to look after us, looking for fun things to do; goes above and beyond.”
Highly commended were Christina Gray and David Malcolm.
The King’s Lynn team were named as Team of the Year: “For the empowering and inspirational approach they show, delivering effective housing management and positive activities; for their team spirit and pro-activity and all while they have been closing down a service and getting ready for building an extension.”
Highly commended were the Youth and Community and Families team.
Finally, the Outstanding Employee of the Year, chosen by colleagues, went to Martin Rye, who: “really cares about the young people in our service, is a real asset to YMCA Norfolk; and his enthusiasm is infectious”
Highly commended were Kevin Dynes and Siobhan Lillywhite.
Pictured above, top the Finance Team – fundraising team of the year with Richard Pennington, middle Charlie Wall with his award and, bottom, the tower building game.