Rose McCrum

YMCA Norfolk celebrated a monumental victory at the Youth Matters Awards 2024, held on Friday 15^th November at City Central at the HAC in London. The charity was awarded the esteemed title of ‘YMCA of the Year,’ recognising its transformative work supporting over 21,500 individuals across Norfolk in the past year.

The awards, hosted by television personality Scarlett Moffatt, celebrate the work of YMCAs and young people across England and Wales.

YMCA Norfolk was chosen from more than 80 YMCAs nationwide. John Lee, CEO of YMCA Norfolk, said: “This award is truly for every staff member and volunteer of YMCA Norfolk. It’s their hard work, passion and belief in our young people that this award represents.”

YMCA Norfolk also won two additional awards.

The E-Learning Service was named Training and Education Project of the Year for its online education support for students facing barriers such as medical issues, mental health challenges, and special educational needs.

Last year, the service supported 312 students.

The Umbrella Housing project, which provides secure accommodation and intensive family support to young single-parent families, was named Family and Youth Project of the Year.

The programme supported 20 families this year, with all residents reporting positive transformations in their lives.

In the past year, YMCA Norfolk has housed 382 young people who would otherwise be homeless or living in vulnerable situations.

It has delivered more than 700 counselling sessions and 590 therapeutic sessions to young people and families in crisis.

It has also enabled 345 young people to receive therapeutic support, who would have otherwise remained on an NHS waiting list.

More than 60,000 people have visited its community hub on Aylsham Road, which includes a café, soft play area, and nursery.

Mr Lee said: “This award is a reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication of all our staff and volunteers. Together, we’re making Norfolk a place where every young person can belong, contribute and thrive.”

What’s the best that could happen?

The last few years have been tough for young people, families, and communities: a global pandemic, cost of living crisis, growing housing crisis, and funding challenges have all left scars on our communities.

But at YMCA, we haven’t lost hope for a brighter future. A General Election has been called on Thursday 4th July 2024 and with it comes opportunity.

Now’s our chance to get the next government to put young people and communities at the heart of their vision and deliver real change. We want everyone to have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.

Now’s our chance to make that happen.

YMCA England and Wales have produced their General Election Manifesto, covering 5 key areas:

• Youth Services – Every Young Person Should Have Access To Youth Services In Their Area All Year Round.
• Housing and Homelessness – Every Young Person Should Have Access To Affordable, Good Quality, Safe And Secure Housing.
• Cost of Living – Every Young Person Should Have The Financial Support To Allow Them To Meet Their Essential Needs.
• Education – Every Young Person Should Receive Good Quality Education And Training Which Gives Them The Best Start In Life.
• Wellbeing – Every Young Person Should Be Able To Build Resilience And Positive Wellbeing, While Also Being Able To Access Timely Help And Support When Facing Physical Or Mental Health Challenges.

To find out more and read the manifesto, visit YMCA General Election Manifesto