Harriet King

YMCA Norfolk received planning approval from Norwich City Council on Monday 5 November to renovate the Jubilee Hall on Aylsham Road.

The Community Hub will feature Muddy Puddles – an Ofsted registered Nursery, a community Café and Carvery, and a Soft Play Centre. Profits from the activities will be reinvested in local community provision such as a new youth club.

Tim Sweeting said:

“We are really excited to be able to get on with delivering this community resource that will enable people to invest back in their local area while enjoying a coffee or great childcare.”

Approved by the YMCA Norfolk board of trustees this week, it was agreed that the Muddy Puddles Nursery will aim to open in January 2021, but parents can register their interest in the nursery from today via YMCA Norfolk’s website.

The nursery will reflect YMCA Norfolk’s values as an organisation, with an inclusive, compassionate approach to childcare.

Louise Hinchley, Head of the Communities at YMCA Norfolk, said:

“We are passionate about offering a positive environment where all children feel secure and valued. We believe in promoting each child’s strengths and helping them love themselves and others, in all their difference.

“Muddy Puddles will encourage children to be curious and adventurous in their play and learning so they grow in appreciation of the world around them and feel ready for the transition to school when the time comes.”

The nursery aims to encompass a reduced technology approach to childcare, encouraging outdoor play and exploration. The childcare provision aspires to be environmentally friendly through sustainable toys and natural materials for play such as wood instead of plastic. The nursery will also encourage children to use natural textures in their sensory play such as ice, sand, mud, water and clay – promoting the reduction of carbon footprint and waste.

The garden space and trees outside of the Nursery lends itself to a forest school environment for that can be accessed in all weather. The nursery will aim to ensure it has forest school activities including digging, building, planting and growing. Staff are also keen for nursery attendees to understand how things grow and the world around them.

Parents will be invited to tour the site from Autumn 2020, but are encouraged to show interest in advance via YMCA Norfolk’s Community Hub team, who are contactable on childcare@ymcanorfolk.org

The community Café, which is positioned in the middle of the site, will be a family-centred, clean, comfortable restaurant that offers premium coffee, home-cooked meals and a place for parents to sit and relax while their children attend nursery or visit the soft play centre.

The Soft Play centre aims to reflect the Nursery’s environmentally-friendly approach and will also be a clean, safe and fun environment for all children. Featured as part of the café, parents can watch children play while enjoying the restaurant’s facilities.

The centre will also include staff offices, where YMCA Norfolk’s head office team (currently based at Exchange Street in Norwich city centre) will relocate in Autumn 2020.

YMCA Norfolk are highly grateful for the number of pledges they have already received from funders and will continue their public fundraising appeal up until the opening of the centre.

Susie Knights, YMCA Norfolk Fundraising Manager, said:

“Huge thanks to Norwich Freeman’s Charity, The Lind Trust, Norwich City Council, the John Jarrold Trust, The Geoffrey Watling Charity and Anguish Educational Foundation for their early support in our fundraising campaign.

“We have now launched our online fundraiser via Just Giving and are encouraging the public to get involved in hosting their own fundraising events, with the support of our Marketing and Fundraising department.

“We would love to hear from individuals, community groups or businesses that can offer financial or practical support to take this innovative project forward. Every donation, big or small, is hugely appreciated and supports us in building this much needed family service within the community.”

Charlie Smith from YMCA Norfolk has conquered strong competition to be crowned Young Leader of the Year at the leading charity’s national youth awards ceremony on Friday 8 November.

Charlie, 25, triumphed over two other inspiring young people at the Youth Matters 2019 awards ceremony, which was held at exclusive central London venue 8 Northumberland Avenue, and hosted by acclaimed broadcaster and TV presenter Nihal Arthanayake.

The Young Leader of the Year Award recognises a young person for their ability to make a real difference in their YMCA by bringing about positive change, working with vision and inspiring others.

Charlie was one of three young people to get through to the awards night after battling through judges’ shortlisting and then an online public vote in August.

She was praised by judges for her drive and determination in breaking down damaging stigmas and raising awareness of mental health issues. Charlie has been instrumental in growing the Mind Matters team, and in completing her training for Mental Health First Aid she has driven the project forward and developed close links with local charities and churches.

On winning the award, Charlie said: “I do the job that I do because I genuinely love it. I feel so privileged to work for the YMCA and be able to carry out the work that YMCA Norfolk does, especially around mental health. This award really does mean a lot to me, so thank you so much.”

Youth Matters is YMCA’s national awards programme that has been an integral part of the charity’s calendar since 2009. It celebrates the outstanding skills and achievements of young people from across the country and also recognises the vital work that YMCAs deliver every.

YMCA Norfolk held their Annual Celebration and Awards Ceremony at the Open Norwich Youth Trust on Thursday evening, November 7, in recognition of the amazing transformations of their young people, families, staff and volunteers.

The event was attended by YMCA President General, the Lord, Richard Dannatt, Lady Agnew, High Sheriff of Norfolk and Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councilor Vaughan Thomas, along with a wide range of supporter, YMCA Norfolk clients and staff.

Attendees heard inspiring stories of YMCA Norfolk’s young people and families, talking about their amazing transformations from street homelessness, domestic abuse, prostitution, family breakdowns and fleeing terror.

Tim Sweeting, YMCA Norfolk CEO, was interviewed by the evening’s host, Jazz Mickleburgh, former YMCA Norfolk Client – who also won young volunteer of the year at last year’s award ceremony.

During the interview Tim was asked about his biggest highlights and challenges of this year:

“One of the biggest highlights of this year for me is our £200,000 grant from Anguish Educational Foundation. The opportunity to have a three-year life coach programme for our young people is amazing and will make a huge difference.

“One of the biggest challenges is watching our young people doubt themselves. We see so much potential in them, but unfortuchantely sometimes low-self esteem means they often don’t see that potential in themselves, and we really wish they could because they have so much to offer.” said Tim.

During the celebration, young YMCA Norfolk staff members shared their experiences of the global YMCA 175 event in London this summer, which saw YMCA’s all over the world join to celebrate 175 years of the founding of the YMCA. The 175 team also discussed the ways in which YMCA Norfolk will implement sustainable development goals in the new year.

Lord Richard Dannatt then presented awards to a number of winners, alongside YMCA Norfolk housing managers who praised the nominees and winners for their exceptional transitions during their time in the services.

The Healthy Living Award went to Holly Twiddy, for her ongoing commitment to overcoming health difficulties – not letting them interfere with her life – and for continuously engaging in positive activities.

Young Volunteer of the Year went to Catt Whittingham, a highly valued member of the Great Yarmouth community, who volunteers at two different charities weekly, in addition to helping with YMCA food collections.

Tenant of the Year was Abbie Ellett, who was praised for coming on leaps and bounds – hugely developing her life skills since moving to her latest Supported Lodgings placement.

Young Achiever of the Year was Ryan Cooper who has recently overcome personal issues and is now enrolled on a college course.

The Inspiration Award went to Tony Scott, who was described as a prime example of the positive transition in a young person, and a great ambassador for YMCA Norfolk.

The organisation also introduced ‘Volunteer of the Year’ to the awards categories this year, which was won by Yvonne Mack. Yvonne volunteers at Umbrella Housing in Norwich, often praised by her colleagues for “working tirelessly to support her clients and set an incredibly high standard for others to follow.” Yvonne was also recently a birthing partner to one of her clients, Martine – an amazing example of the life-changing difference she makes.

Chloe Hillier gave an outstanding performance singing ‘Praying’ by Kesha – showcasing her amazing talent as a singer, while Stephen Phipps inspired the audience with his rap, in which he performed his own life story through his incredible lyrics.

YMCA Norfolk were recently granted £200,000 by Anguish Educational Foundation, following their application for a life coach scheme, allowing service users to access training and build up qualifications.

Originally offering a £200,000 to one charity, or £100,000 to two charities, Anguish decided to offer two grants of £200,000 to two different charities – totalling £400,000. Into Opera, a creative organisation working to engage people into opera through educational projects, were also awarded £200,000.

Chris Herries, Chair of Anguish’s Educational Foundation, said:

“We just couldn’t choose between these two excellent, life-changing projects and decided instead to double the budget.

“We asked for projects which would break negative cycles, and which would enable long-term positive change in the lives of young people – these two projects, in very different ways, will do that really well.”

The Anguish Grant Committee shortlisted YMCA Norfolk along with 4 other applicants among a total of 20 applications. Each shortlisted applicant was invited to a 45 minute conversation – where they discussed their future plans if awarded the grant (Anguish specifically asked applicants to not present their idea, but instead wanted a ‘conversation day’ with each shortlisted applicant).

YMCA Norfolk representatives, Tim Sweeting (CEO) and Susie Knights (Fundraising Manager) spoke about their plans for a 3-year life coach programme for their residents – in order to provide additional assistance to young people; setting life goals, creating tailored action plans and the opportunity to add qualifications to their CV.  

Tim Sweeting, YMCA Norfolk CEO, said:

“We are so pleased to receive this funding, which we will invest in breaking the cycle of homelessness for hundreds of young people.

“It has been a breath of fresh air to engage with the trustees of Anguish’s Educational Foundation through this streamlined process that enables more of our energy to go into enabling transformation in the lives of young people.”

Anguish’s Educational Foundation is part of the Norwich Charitable Trusts ( the group name for three ancient Norwich grant-making trusts: Anguish’s Educational Foundation, Norwich Consolidated Charities and the Norwich Freemen’s Charity.)  All three make grants both to individuals and to organisations based on their different Objects and Areas of Benefit.

David Hynes, Chief Executive of Norwich Charitable Trusts, said:

“This is the first time we’ve run a grants programme in this way.  We’re extremely pleased with the result and very excited to be working in partnership with Into Opera and the YMCA Norfolk. 

“Look out for a similar grants round next spring from one of our other two grant-making charities – Norwich Consolidated Charities.”

YMCA Norfolk were also granted an additional £15,000 from the same fund, to go towards their brand new Community Hub, set to launch next year.

Earlier this week six young people from YMCA Norfolk’s My Place accommodation assisted Onward Enterprises as part of their positive activities programme.

Onward Enterprises, based in Harleston, Norfolk, is a contract packaging and fulfilment company ‘with a difference’ – offering hands on industry-specific training to adults with disabilities. Across their two sites, they work with over 100 adults – providing a supported working environment for those who might usually struggle with the pressures of the industry.

Chelsea Howe, YMCA Norfolk Housing Engagement Worker, and Sharon Greener, Housing Manager, accompanied the young people from My Place to the warehouse, where they volunteered their time to support staff on the production line and engaged with employees.

Sharon said: “Each YMCA Norfolk young person was assigned to an adult, where they would work alongside one another throughout the day, undergoing various tasks. The young people clocked in and out as the employees did, so they had the full experience of working in a factory environment.”

“I was so proud of how our young people conducted themselves during their time at Onward Enterprises. They were given a great insight into the working environment of a production line and communicated well with all adults with learning difficulties. My aim was to show our residents that people struggling with all types of disabilities can flourish, and I think they definitely took this away with them.”

The group of young people attended the morning as part of their positive activities programme – an important way of engaging with the YMCA Norfolk service, in order to build a wide range of skills, and heighten their self-esteem before living independently.

Chelsea, YMCA staff member who is based at My Place, said: “Positives activities such as the visit to Onward Enterprises are really important for our young people because it teaches them empathy towards others, particularly those with learning difficulties or mental health problems. It also provides them with an element of training, should they wish to go into this industry.”

My Place residents have also been visiting Bowthorpe Care Village on a weekly basis, which is “a great way into care work and working with the elderly,” Chelsea added.

To find out more about our My Place accommodation, please click here.