Harriet King

YMCA Norfolk are seeking a new part-time Chaplain to work across the county delivering pastoral support to both staff and young people, to build on the inspiring work of previous chaplains and pastoral support.

Chaplaincy work is key area of delivery for the charity, which has a distinctive Christian ethos – enabling people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit.

The Chaplain role is designed to offer staff and young people a non-judgemental ‘listening ear’ as well as prayer and guidance.

The role will also consist of support-based delivery such as leading devotions and weekly staff prayer meetings, engaging young people and staff in wellbeing support and positives activities, and building partnerships with local Churches, Christians and faith-based organisations. Tasks will also include recruiting, training and leading a team of volunteer chaplains to expand the team’s delivery.

YMCA Norfolk are asking that candidates have an excellent understanding of the Christian faith and the nature of spiritual and pastoral support, as well as be able to naturally lead and motivate others and be skilled in delivering Christian devotionals and Christian faith based talks and presentations.

Why work for YMCA Norfolk?

It is an exciting time to join YMCA Norfolk, as the organisation looks to further expand its services and explore further opportunities to be present in the Norfolk community.

YMCA Norfolk is a great place to work, offering meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of young people. Working at the charity is an opportunity to be a part of an organisation which is challenging, innovative, rewarding and fun.

Staff place young people at the heart of all they do and are committed to building an organisation that is responsive to the needs of young people and stakeholders.

In return, employees receive a range of benefits including Healthsheild (health care plan), 34 days annual leave (pro-rata / inclusive of bank and public holidays), staff discount at Williams’ Kitchen Cafe, Explorers Soft Play and Muddy Puddles Nursery, regular line management and training opportunities, annual staff days and much more.

How to apply

If you’re a servant hearted individual, committed to your Christian faith and passionate about creating environments where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive, then YMCA Norfolk would love to hear from you.

This is a permanent role, 22.5hrs a week, with a pay grade of £13.21 per hour. The position is based at YMCA Norfolk’s head offices on Aylsham Road, Norwich, with regular county-wide travel.

For further details, a full job description and an application form, please click here.

If you have further questions, please get in touch with YMCA Norfolk’s HR department on careers@ymcanorfolk.org

Michael Green, 4, walked an incredible 12 miles over 6 weekends as part of a ‘Stomp for Santa’ campaign for YMCA Norfolk. 

Keen to ensure that residents of the youth charity had a Christmas to remember, Michael walked from his home in Cromer to the lighthouse and back with his family as part of the fundraising initiative. 

Michael wanted to make sure ‘Santa visited everyone’ this year, after finding out that not everyone is fortunate enough to receive presents at Christmas time.

YMCA Norfolk, the longest standing youth-charity in the Norfolk, houses over 240 homeless young people every night in Norwich, King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth. They also support hundreds of vulnerable families and a number of schools with mental health and wellbeing through their county-wide operations. 

Michael’s parents, John and Elsie Green, commented on their son’s achievement:

“As a family, we are all so very proud of Michael and had great fun together during each stomp. Michael inspired us all to get stomping to help make a difference, and we’re hoping his determination encourages others to fundraise for the likes of YMCA Norfolk during these tough times.

We would also like to personally thank everyone who has supported the Christmas Appeal and a special thanks from Michael.”

The Stomp for Santa campaign was supported by a number of businesses in the local community, many who held raffles to further fundraise to help Michael reach his target of £5,000 – of which he is currently only £169 short.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Cafe Main, Henrys Coffee and Tea Store, The Old Rock Shop Bistro, Huckleberries, Breakers Cafe and Fig and Olive in Cromer for their support with Michael’s fundraiser, as well as the Gunton Arms. 

Thanks to Michael’s commitment to the cause, young people at YMCA Norfolk’s youth hostels celebrated Christmas with a traditional roast diner and enjoyed opening presents over the festive period. Funds raised also ensured the charity’s vital support work – such as the delivery of their mental health services – could continue to operate over the Christmas season. 

Susie Knights, fundraising and marketing manager at YMCA Norfolk, commented on the Stomp for Santa campaign:

“Michael has inspired staff and young people across the organisation. We’re so proud of his fundraising efforts and extremely grateful to everyone who has donated to the campaign.

“Christmas can be a really tough time for our young people and clients, and with the looming cost of living crisis, many cannot afford to fund such an expensive time of year. The funds Michael raised will help elevate some of these pressures and has put a smile on the face of many of our clients.”

YMCA Norfolk has appointed Fiona Stuart as their new Chairperson to lead the charity’s passionate Board of Trustees. 

Fiona joined YMCA Norfolk’s Board of Trustees in 2017 and she is committed to supporting the organisation’s CEO and Executive Team in delivering an exciting strategy and charitable mission through 2023 and beyond. 

Fiona is the first female to take on the role of Chairperson in the 166 years that YMCA Norfolk has been operating. 

“I am delighted to be voted as the first female Chairperson to the Board of Trustees at YMCA Norfolk. It is simply an honour to assist YMCA Norfolk in serving young people across our County”. 

Fiona further commented on her new role “It is a highlight to see young people come alive and thrive with the investment of time, resource and unconditional care. Being a Trustee on the Board for the past 5 years has been humbling and thoroughly rewarding, it genuinely is a privilege to serve alongside the committed staff at YMCA Norfolk”. 

Fiona is also a Partner at Ashtons Legal, leading their Insolvency and Restructuring legal team across East Anglia. 

John Lee, YMCA Norfolk CEO, commented on Fiona’s new appointment: 

“We are blessed to have Fiona serve us in this way and I am thankful for the considerable investment of time she has already made in supporting the work we do. Many of our staff have already met Fiona through her attending our staff days and award ceremonies, and we’re excited for some of our young people to meet her this week as she joins me in serving the resident’s Christmas dinner at our Central youth hostel”. 

YMCA Norfolk would also like to say a huge thank-you to the former Chair, Philip Macdonald, whose term expired this year after an incredible 9 years volunteering as a Trustee. YMCA Norfolk is extremely grateful for his wisdom and service over the years.

Fiona and members of the Board of Trustees will be taking part in YMCA Norfolk’s Sleep Easy on 10 March 2023.  To find out more or register a team please click here.

George King, Life Ready Youth Coach at YMCA Norfolk, was awarded with ‘Young Worker of the Year’ at the YMCA England and Wales Youth Matters 2022 awards on Friday 18 November.

At a ceremony held at the Bloomsbury Big Top, London, George celebrated his win with a crowd of YMCA colleagues from all over the UK, who come together every year to celebrate the achievements of staff and young people across the charity’s national operation.

Shortlisted in the summer, George made the final 3 among a vote of over 14,000 members of the public, and came out on top thanks to his contribution to YMCA Norfolk’s Life Ready project and his gardening, horticulture and wellbeing work in Great Yarmouth.

George commented on his award:

“While I’m really proud to have won the award, I’m also proud of all of my colleagues at YMCA Norfolk and at YMCAs across the country.

“Especially the other two finalists in my category – both who were extremely deserving the award.

“The work that youth coaches do really is saving lives, and it’s a privilege to work for the YMCA and support the amazing young people in Norfolk.”

Alongside working on the garden at St Paul’s Lodge (Great Yarmouth), George was tasked with teaching young people how to plant and grow fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers, in addition to supporting them gain ASDAN qualifications – of which a number of the project’s participants have achieved. 

George regularly reaches out to local nature reserves, garden centres and community projects to arrange educational day trips for young people, boosting their mental wellbeing through spending time in nature and socialising with peers.

George’s nomination read:

‘Over the last year George has gone completely above and beyond to transform the hostel’s garden – which now features a seating area, a greenhouse, an allotment, flower beds, sleepers and a most importantly a peaceful, colourful outdoor space for our young people to enjoy.

YMCA Norfolk staff have seen a huge transformation in the young people he has worked with on the project – many becoming more self-confident and transitioning towards independent living through gaining their own accommodation and employment.  

He is a reliable, trustworthy and inspiring role model for our young people – who always puts their needs first despite living a busy lifestyle as a local sixth form teacher alongside his role with YMCA. He always has a smile on his face and is quick to make those around him smile too.   

George’s passion for seeing young people thrive embodies the values of YMCA, and he is spoken extremely highly of by young people and staff across the organisation. ‘

YMCA Norfolk’s annual celebration and award ceremony returned to the stage on Thursday 17 November – where an audience of 180 joined the charity to celebrate their inspiring young people, clients, staff and volunteers.

Held at the Space, Norwich, the evening was hosted by YMCA Youth Ambassador, Charlie Smith, and included presentations from YMCA Norfolk CEO, John Lee, YMCA Norfolk President, Lord Richard Dannatt GCB, CBE, MC, DL as well as stories from staff members and young people who bravely shared their hope-filled journeys.

Councillors, civics, patrons and trustees heard from housing clients Matthew Webster, Andrew Fountain, Shannon Coleman and Conor Frost, alongside an incredible talk from former E-Learning Service student Jack Parfitt and presentations from youth coaches Jade Crowe, George King and Ruth Vaughan.

The celebration was followed by an uplifting awards ceremony, where winners were announced across 6 categories:

Young Volunteer of the Year

The young volunteer of the year award recognised a dedicated young volunteer who has shown outstanding commitment to the YMCA and their local community. The winner of this award was Bethan Jones, a young volunteer that has offered a lot of free time to YMCA Norfolk’s youth services through running Arts and Crafts at our Catton Grove club and encouraging young people to use their imagination. 

Healthy Living Award

The healthy living award, which recognised a young person who has made positive steps towards improving both their physical and mental wellbeing, was won by Oscar Warren, who’s ‘change in attitude and motivation towards personal health has shown real growth.’ Oscar had previously never eaten vegetables and hated gardening or the idea of growing their own food. He is now known for growing their very own pumpkin, chillies, herbs, spinach, tomatoes, and strawberries, eating lots of fresh food and veg and preparing their own food with the crops they’ve grown.

Tennant of the Year

The Tennant of the Year award recognised a tenant who is involved in all aspects of their home and community. The judges were looking for an individual who makes a real difference in their community.  Charlotte Clare was awarded Tennant of the Year 2022 – praised for her huge transformation and growth throughout her time with YMCA Norfolk. Charlotte is now in the process of a positive move on, after finding coping mechanisms to better manage her mental health independently. 

Inspiration Award

The Inspiration Award celebrated an individual who has inspired others in a number of ways, and has a huge impact on their community, peers, and YMCA staff. The winner of this award was Umbrella Housing Client, Tabitha Nathan, who has overcome a number of challenges to build a brighter future for her 3 children. Tabitha was praised for her “upbeat vibe and ability to always show compassion to others. Throughout her stay at YMCA Norfolk, she has been a model tenant and an inspiration to all.”

Community Champion Award

Mark Devany was announced as YMCA Norfolk’s 2022 Community Champion, after providing the charity with a fantastic opportunity to showcase their commitment to young people and their wellbeing. Mark approached YMCA Norfolk to carry out a community youth mental health pilot, which led to 223 young people receiving support who would have otherwise continued to experience escalation or concern or have remained on a wait list. .  A further 275 young people will now be supported through further work that the pilot enabled YMCA Norfolk to secure.

Richard Jarrod Achievement Award

Richard was a committed and passionate believer in young people who served YMCA Norfolk in various roles over more than 50 years. In his memory, this award recognises a young person or family who have overcome challenges in their lives to achieve something of great significance in their efforts to reach their full potential. Russell Vincent was announced the winner of the award, presented by Richard’s daughter, Caroline Jarrold.

John Lee, YMCA Norfolk CEO, commented on the evening: “It was great to have our annual celebration return after a long 3 year break due to the pandemic – and what an incredible comeback! It was clear that the celebration and awards ceremony left attendees feeling both inspired and proud to be a supporter of YMCA Norfolk.

“Each and every nominee and winner should be extremely proud of themselves. Reading their nominations was extremely moving, and highlighted the importance of celebrating the achievements of our amazing young people.”