Young people, volunteers and staff were recognised for their achievements at YMCA Norfolk’s Annual Celebration and Pride of YMCA Norfolk Awards on Thursday 15 October.
Held at The Space in Norwich, the event celebrated inspiring stories of resilience, personal growth and community impact, while also launching the charity’s 170th anniversary year and a new £170,000 fundraising appeal.
Throughout the evening, young people shared how YMCA Norfolk had helped them rebuild confidence, continue their education, improve their wellbeing and develop the skills needed to live independently.
Over the past year, YMCA Norfolk provided a safe home for 310 children, families and young people, supported 201 people through its Life and Work Ready programme and delivered therapeutic support to 888 young people, with 80% reporting improved wellbeing.
The annual Pride of YMCA Norfolk Awards recognised achievements in volunteering, education, personal growth and independent living. Award winners included Horsford OUTPOST Community Management Committee (Volunteer of the Year), Sepher Belham (Young Volunteer of the Year), Amelia McIntosh (Learner of the Year), Leah King (Personal Growth Award), Jessica Pitcher (Tenant of the Year), Ben Millington (Empowering Award) and Caleb Kelly, who received the Richard Jarrold Achievement Award.
The event also marked the launch of Belonging Through Time: YMCA at 170, a heritage project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project will explore YMCA Norfolk’s history through exhibitions, oral histories, podcasts and community storytelling, with local people invited to share memories and artefacts from the charity’s past.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, YMCA Norfolk has launched its 170 Years Strong: A Place to Belong appeal, aiming to raise £170,000 to support vulnerable young people across Norfolk. Funds raised will help provide accommodation, wellbeing support, education and mentoring opportunities for young people facing homelessness, isolation and other challenges.
John Lee, Chief Executive of YMCA Norfolk, said:
“Tonight is a reminder of what success really looks like. The young people we celebrate are achieving incredible things, and YMCA Norfolk’s role is to create opportunities, encourage them and empower them to flourish. The achievements recognised tonight are a testament to their resilience, determination and potential.
As we celebrate 170 years of YMCA Norfolk, we reflect on the lives transformed across generations. More importantly, we look to the future. We want to create more homes and more opportunities for young people across Norfolk. Through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to helping young people thrive, I believe the best YMCA Norfolk stories are still ahead of us.”
To find out more about the appeal or make a donation, visit: YMCA Norfolk 170th Anniversary Appeal – YMCA Norfolk
