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YMCA Norfolk
YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk

Helping young people towards a brighter future

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Alison Dawson

Oscar’s face mask project provides much needed face coverings and essential information to fellow YMCA Norfolk residents

06 August 2020 by Alison Dawson

Oscar’s face masks were distributed amongst residents

YMCA Norfolk Community Housing resident Oscar, knowing first hand how tight money can be for young people during the coronavirus outbreak, wanted to do something to make face masks accessible to others who may find it a struggle to buy one.

Oscar decided to undertake the task of making a number of masks himself, which he donated to the other residents. He also designed and shared an information booklet with more details about the face masks, how to use them and explaining their importance. The project proved invaluable as it coincided with the government update to regulations about wearing face masks in shops.

The masks went down as an enormous success amongst residents, who no longer need to worry about buying a mask and are equipped to adhere to the regulations.

We have been inspired by Oscar’s creativity and dedication, and think this is an amazing example of how one person can be an inspiration for others to follow!

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS, Uncategorized

YMCA Norfolk’s Youth West Summer Festival to bring a week of free online events to young people in Norfolk this August 10th – 14th

03 August 2020 by Alison Dawson

The Festival’s 5-day line up boasts a variety of interactive talks, workshops and events, and is completely free to attend. Based on the theme of education, activities and activism, featured guest speakers from local organisations will be speaking about subjects such as LGBT, drugs and alcohol, Black Lives Matter, Mental Health, and Employment and Training.

The festival is also to offer participants the chance to take part in workshops in poetry and lyric writing, stand-up comedy, circus skills and much more, as well as open mic nights where the young people can showcase skills learned throughout the festival.

The Youth West Summer Festival aims to provide meaningful and engaging activities to young people in a supportive and safe environment. This extends from efforts by YMCA Norfolk since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown to continue their work with young people via a newly established online youth club website. The festival is a collective effort from local charities to continue to provide this safe and fun environment online where young people can access support during the summer holidays.

Tim Sweeting, CEO of YMCA Norfolk said,

“In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many youth clubs have had to close leaving young people without the in-person support usually provided by charities like YMCA Norfolk.

“During this unique summer which has left many young people feeling limited in their options, we are pleased to provide an online space where they can relax and have fun, as well as learn skills and access training opportunities.”

Partnering organisations who are helping to run the festival include The Matthew Project, The Benjamin Foundation, The Garage, Swan Youth Project, and the West Norfolk Youth Advisory Board.

Free tickets as well as full details on the festival can be found at www.youthwestsummerfest.com

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

YMCA Hub brings hope to Norfolk recruitment sector – set to offer at least 20 new jobs in Norwich

18 June 2020 by Alison Dawson

YMCA Hub to create at least 20 new jobs in Norwich.

YMCA Norfolk are looking to recruit at least 20 new staff members to support their multi-service community hub, based on Aylsham road in Norwich. 

Initial recruitment will focus on childcare staff, who will help with the running of Muddy Puddles Nursery – an Ofsted-registered childcare provision based at the site. Roles will include the likes of a nursery manager, deputy manager, early years educators and safeguarding leads. 

All staff will have the chance to take part in various professional development and training initiatives, in line with the charity’s mission to encourage staff members to feel valued and strive to reach their full potential. 

Further roles will become available through the running of the centre’s community café, alongside general building maintenance; providing valuable work at a time where many jobs have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. 

The YMCA Norfolk CEO, Tim Sweeting, said:

“The development of our family-centered community hub will welcome at least 20 new jobs, ranging across nursery and catering industries, with an initial focus on childcare. Expanding the YMCA family is something we are extremely excited about, and can’t wait to have some fantastic childcare professionals as part of our amazing team. 

“We are thrilled to be able to offer some hope to the Norfolk community during a time of uncertainty and worry, and strive to continue making a huge difference to the local community.”

The innovative centre has already provided various work opportunities through contractors and construction workers who are involved in the renovation of the building; which, after a brief delay due to lockdown, is once again under construction. The building company working on the site, Cocksedge, are closely following Government guidelines and have developed a revised health and safety plan to ensure safe working at this time.

YMCA Norfolk are welcoming expressions of interest from the end of the summer, with recruitment for the role of nursery manager beginning in November. Recruitment for other roles will commence in the new year. 

We are encouraging parents and carers to register their interest in nursery places as soon as possible by getting in touch with our childcare team on childcare@ymcanorfolk.org.

Please keep an eye on our social media for further information over the coming months.

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

YMCA Norfolk continues to provide essential support to vulnerable young people and families during the Covid-19 outbreak

02 April 2020 by Alison Dawson

YMCA Norfolk provides vital services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. These services have been deemed essential by the UK government and YMCA Norfolk are continuing to operate during the Covid-19 Pandemic, with new ways being found to provide support whilst adhering to the government’s guidance and social distancing measures. 

Despite the closure of many services across Norwich and Norfolk, the need to support vulnerable young people and families is ever-present, and YMCA Norfolk continues to work diligently to meet this need, through the provision of safe accommodation, and services to support young people’s mental health, wellbeing and independence.

YMCA Norfolk staff members wearing personal protective equipment

Head of Communities, Louise Hinchley said:

“Our families team continues its work to provide support to families across the county through this difficult time. To protect both families, and workers, many support and counselling sessions have moved to online video calls, whilst other clients are being offered telephone support.

“A coordinated effort has seen the delivery of food and toiletry supplies to families in need, and we are also assisting with the swift move of new mothers into safe accommodation. Meanwhile, frontline workers continue to visit those most in need, in their homes, and provide these families with vital support.”

The Youth and Communities Team have also moved their support base online, creating virtual youth groups for young people who would normally attend in person. These groups offer daily devotions, challenges and games, and an opportunity to socialise in a safe and secure environment. The Team are also working hard to provide resources to keep young people engaged in positive activities, such as podcasts from the Mind Matters Team, and videos on crafts, cooking and exercise.

CEO Tim Sweeting said:

“The support we provide to young people and families is more essential than ever in the current situation. I am so proud of our team for the agility they’ve shown to ensure we can continue to offer hope and practical support for those most in need.”

Coronavirus is having a significant financial impact on YMCA Norfolk, and if you would like to offer support to keep these vital services in place please donate via the giving page:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1006418

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

Josh’s Journey to Independent Living

25 February 2020 by Alison Dawson

After living with his Grandmother for several years, Josh moved into YMCA Norfolk Community Housing to help him on his journey to independent living. 8 months later, Josh has successfully moved on from YMCA, and has told the story of his experience.

“At the start of 2019, I was living with my Grandmother, where I had lived since my mother passed away in 2011. Over the years of living with my Grandmother, I went to college, my mental health slowly improved, and I became a Young Ambassador for the Prince’s Trust.

It was one month before I turned 25 and overall, things were going ok. I decided it was time to make a step forward with my life and find a place of my own.

At first, I struggled to know how to begin with this process. I knew I could apply via the council, but that the waiting time for accommodation could be years long. I spoke to MAP in Norwich, and they pointed me towards the YMCA and helped me complete the paperwork.

Soon after I had a meeting with a member of YMCA staff and they quickly found me room of my own at Throckmorton Yard, and a place where I could grow in independence.

The transition was difficult at first, and the first night was really challenging. But soon I began to settle in nicely, with the support of family, friends and YMCA.

I lived in the accommodation for 8 months before I was ready to move on. Now looking back, those 8 months passed quickly and trouble free.

If there’s anything I’ve learned by living at YMCA, it’s that you’re never alone in your journey – help is always there if you just ask for it.”

Filed Under: Case Studies

£1M raised towards YMCA Norfolk’s £1.98M Community Hub development project

14 February 2020 by Alison Dawson

Construction of an old hall to be transformed into a vital Community Hub by YMCA Norfolk has commenced, just as fundraising efforts surpass £1M. The hall on Aylsham Road was formerly used by war veterans and families before closing in 2014. YMCA’s new project will see the building undergo a complete renovation into an innovative and family focussed community hub, with a nursery, café and soft play centre for 0-11-year olds. The YMCA Norfolk offices will also be moving to the site as part of a long-term commitment to the area.

Work began on the site Thursday 30 January, managed by construction consultancy DCP Surveyors. The existing building is being stripped out before the new purpose built and environmentally friendly facilities are installed.

CEO Tim Sweeting, on a recent visit to the site that will be transformed into a community hub

YMCA Norfolk have recently surpassed £1M in their fundraising efforts, now having raised a total of £1.16M with the support of trusts, foundations and generous individuals, as well as Norfolk County Council. Public support has also helped to raise over £11,000, 45% of the public appeal target of £25,000.

YMCA Norfolk CEO Tim Sweeting said

 “We are excited that we have now passed the £1M mark in our fundraising journey for this project. We are very grateful for the pledges we have received so far to reach this milestone, and they will help to establish our ambitious Community Hub which will benefit and support families and youth in the area for many years to come.”

Once completed, the hub will be the home of Muddy Puddles Nursery, an Ofsted registered Nursery providing a positive environment where children can feel secure and valued. The nursery will have a focus on encouraging children to be curious and adventurous in their play and learning.

The hub will also feature a family centred Community Café, a clean and comfortable restaurant serving coffee and homecooked meals. This will be a space for parents to relax and watch whilst children enjoy the soft play.

Profits made through the Community Hub will be help YMCA Norfolk continue to reinvest in provisions for the local community such as youth clubs.

YMCA Norfolk are continuing to welcome hearing from individuals, community groups or businesses that can offer financial or practical support to take this innovative project forward. Members of the public who would like to offer financial support are invited to visit the public appeal page on Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ymcanorfolkcommunityhub

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

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Primary Sidebar

  • YMCA Norfolk raises over £4,000 in aid of youth homelessness as part of national Sleep Easy event 2021
    30 March 2021
  • Bishop of Norwich dedicates our brand new YMCA on Aylsham Road in run up to grand opening
    26 March 2021
  • Construction of new YMCA on Aylsham Road completed in preparation for Spring opening
    11 March 2021
  • YMCA Norfolk calls on community to take part in special Sleep Easy event to raise money and awareness in aid of youth homelessness
    25 February 2021
  • YMCA Norfolk and The Youth West Partnership inspire creativity and provide support for young musicians in Norfolk after partnering with the Play Up Remote Recording Project
    09 October 2020
  • Time Capsule installed at new YMCA Norfolk Community Hub
    20 August 2020

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Registered Address:
YMCA Norfolk
Aylsham Road
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NR3 2HF

Registered in England No. 2067523
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