LATEST NEWS

YMCA Norfolk is proud to announce that its inspirational ambassador, Andrew Hadley, will be taking on a phenomenal 104-mile walk along the Norfolk Coastal Path this June — all to raise vital funds for young people experiencing homelessness.

Starting on Saturday 1st June at YMCA Community Housing in King’s Lynn, Andrew will walk the length of the stunning Norfolk coast, finishing on Wednesday 11th June in Hunstanton. At 72 years old, Andrew is no stranger to a challenge — and his determination to support young people is stronger than ever.

This ten-day trek will take Andrew through some of Norfolk’s most scenic locations, as he highlights the urgent need to support vulnerable young people and raise awareness around youth homelessness. So far, he has already raised an incredible £20,000 and hopes to hit £25,000 by the time he crosses the finish line.

“This isn’t just a walk,” says Andrew. “It’s a way to make a difference — to give young people in Norfolk the chance to build a better future. YMCA Norfolk changes lives, and I want to do my bit to support their work.”

YMCA Norfolk provides housing, support, training and wellbeing services to young people across the county. Fundraising efforts like Andrew’s ensure that they can continue to provide life-changing opportunities for those most in need.

Donations can be made at – JustGiving Andrew Hadley
www.justgiving.com/page/100-norfolk-coastal-walk

YMCA Norfolk would like to invite the public to follow Andrew’s journey, cheer him on along the way, and help spread the word. Every step he takes is a step closer to ending youth homelessness.

When we picture homelessness, our minds often conjure images influenced by stigma and assumptions: substance misuse, poor choices, or even a refusal to work. But the reality of youth homelessness is far more complex — and far less understood.

At YMCA Norfolk, we know that the reasons young people find themselves without a home are rarely straightforward. It’s not about failure — it’s about circumstance. Family breakdown is one of the leading causes of youth homelessness.

Many young people are forced to leave home due to abuse, neglect, conflict, or because their families simply can’t afford to house them anymore. Some have grown up in the care system, only to find themselves with nowhere to go when they reach 18. Others may be escaping domestic violence, struggling with their mental health, or coming to terms with their identity in an unsupportive environment.

The stories behind homelessness are personal, painful, and varied. That’s why YMCA Norfolk is here — to provide not just a roof, but a foundation for young people to rebuild their lives.

We offer supported accommodation, wraparound care, and tailored support plans that focus on personal development, education, and employability. Our work is centred around compassion, not judgement. Every young person deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of where they’ve come from.

We also work with local communities to shift the narrative. We challenge stereotypes and raise awareness that youth homelessness isn’t always visible — it can mean sofa surfing, staying in unsafe environments, or moving from place to place without security. It can happen to anyone.

By supporting YMCA Norfolk, you’re helping us break the cycle. You’re helping young people regain their dignity, rebuild their confidence, and restore their hope.

Let’s look beyond the assumptions. Let’s see the person, not the problem.
Together, we can make youth homelessness something we all understand — and something we can all help to end.

We need you!

YMCA Norfolk is calling on thrill-seekers, adrenaline junkies, and fundraisers alike to take part in our 2025 Charity Abseil Challenge, an exciting event taking place on Saturday 19th July at The Forum in Norwich. Participants will have the unique opportunity to abseil down one of the city’s most iconic buildings while raising crucial funds to support young people facing homelessness.

With an entry fee of just £25, participants are asked to commit to a minimum fundraising target of £100—every penny of which goes towards YMCA Norfolk’s mission of providing safe housing, essential support, and life-changing opportunities for young people in need.

Why Take the Leap?

The abseil challenge isn’t just about the thrill of descending The Forum’s towering façade; it’s about making a real impact. Youth homelessness is on the rise, and YMCA Norfolk is at the forefront of offering practical solutions, from emergency accommodation to long-term housing and personal development programs.

“Every year, we support hundreds of young people who have nowhere else to turn. This event gives people a chance to challenge themselves while helping us provide the support they desperately need,” said Kirsty Rose – Marketing & Fundraising Officer at YMCA Norfolk.

A Challenge for All

Whether you’re looking to conquer a fear of heights, complete a bucket list challenge, or raise money for a cause close to your heart, this event is open to all. No prior experience is necessary—just a sense of adventure and a passion for making a difference.

Businesses, groups, and individuals are all encouraged to sign up. Companies looking for a team-building challenge or a way to fulfil corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals can take part as a group.

Sign Up Today

Spaces for the YMCA Norfolk Charity Abseil are limited, so don’t miss your chance to take part in this unforgettable experience.

Event Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
Location: The Forum, Norwich
Entry Fee: £25
Fundraising Target: £100

Register now and #DareToDescend: Abseil to Transform Young Lives for YMCA Norfolk | YMCA Norfolk (Powered by Donorbox)

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

YMCA Norfolk gathered together over 100 staff members for its annual staff day at The Space, a social enterprise conference centre in Sprowston.

YMCA Norfolk hosted their staff from across all their services in an afternoon of celebrating. It was an opportunity to reflect on the past year, share thoughts for the future, and recognise the achievements of their team. Staff were also spotlighted for their dedication to the organisation, with some staff celebrating 5, 10, and even 30 years working for YMCA Norfolk.

During the awards segment of the day, four awards were given to staff who embody the ethos of YMCA Norfolk and help transform the lives of young people across Norfolk. Below are the winners of those awards.

The Spirit of YMCA Norfolk Award
Winner: Esther Nixon

Esther is the Manager of Therapeutic and Family Services and embodies all that YMCA Norfolk stands for. After taking on the Communities Team last year, Esther has dedicated her time to transforming the wellbeing of young people and families, while also growing the team with kindness and compassion. She works hard to put others first, and makes both staff and clients feel valued, listened to, and appreciated.

Staff Member of the Year
Winner: Sharon Willimott

Sharon has dedicated many years to supporting and uplifting families, often going above and beyond to ensure that families and young people feel supported. In the past year, Sharon has helped young parents keep custody of their children, families in crisis access funds they needed, families find a home fit for purpose, and so much more… She works within YMCA Norfolk’s families team to continue to transform young lives every single day.

Team of the Year
Winner: My Place and Community Housing Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk provide over 240 young people with a safe place to stay every night; two of these accommodation options include My Place and Community Housing. My Place and Community Housing have dealt with lots of change over the past year, but handled it with grace and resilience. Despite being a small team, they continue to place young people at the heart of everything they do to support them on their journey to independent living.

Fundraising Team of the Year
Winner: Chaplaincy Team

Megan Saunders, and the YMCA Norfolk Chaplaincy Team, successfully won Fundraising Team of the Year, thanks to Megan’s incredible efforts during their Sleep Easy campaign. Putting herself out of her comfort zone and braving the cold, Megan successfully raised over £500 which will support YMCA Norfolk’s ongoing work to help homeless young people in the community