YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk

Helping young people towards a brighter future

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Manifesto Launch @ Westmister 22nd Jan24

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Youth Homelessness: Not Always What You Think Changing the narrative with YMCA Norfolk

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…

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YMCA Norfolk Launches Thrilling Charity Abseil to Tackle Youth Homelessness

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…

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YMCA Norfolk secures £500k grant from the National Lottery Community Fund for 3-year ‘Life Ready Work Ready’ programme

YMCA Norfolk is delighted to announce that they have been awarded £490,298 in grant funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver a county-wide training, education and employment programme. Life Ready Work Ready will reach homeless and vulnerable young people, aged 16-25, across Norwich, Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn, providing vital coaching support alongside…

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Our new campaign to celebrate staff and volunteers 

This campaign celebrates the small things their staff and volunteers do that have a huge impact in transforming the lives of young people across the county.  The YMCA has been established in Norfolk since 1856 supporting and advising various communities. Now, it provides accommodation for young people facing homelessness, provides wellbeing support in the community,…

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Muddy Puddles Nursery receives ‘good’ news on first visit from Ofsted

Muddy Puddles Nursery, YMCA Norfolk’s first childcare provision, was recently awarded a rating of ‘Good’ in their first Ofsted report – in which staff were praised for their ‘warm and engaging manner’ and ability to ‘deliver a broad curriculum.’ The 90-place nursery opened in April 2021, and quickly became popular among both parents and children.…

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YMCA Norfolk’s ‘Umbrella’ housing service awarded £60,000 grant for positive activities programme

Image from left to right: Susie Knights, YMCA Norfolk Marketing and Fundraising Manager, John Lee, YMCA Norfolk CEO, Stephen Brooks, YMCA Norfolk Community Housing Officer, Mike Spalding, Norfolk Freemasons Communications Officer, Damien Woolston, YMCA Norfolk Community Housing Manager, Stephen Allen, Head of the Norfolk Freemasons. YMCA Norfolk have successfully secured £60,000 in funding to deliver…

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King’s Lynn SOS Bus praised by community as a ‘life-saver,’ supporting more than 24,000 people in the last year

YMCA Norfolk’s SOS Bus service in King’s Lynn has been praised by members of the public as a “life saver” to the local community, offering a much-needed alternative to calling emergency service units which are under mounting pressure. The SOS Bus, commissioned and funded by the Integrated Care Board, operates every Friday and Saturday night…

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The true cost of inflation for homeless and vulnerable young people in Norwich

With inflation at a 41-year high, young people across the UK continue to be one of the hardest hit demographics affected by the cost of living crisis and economic fall-out from COVID-19.  YMCA Norfolk, the longest-standing youth charity in the county, were keen to reflect on the impact of the cost of living with their…

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Norwich fundraisers sleep rough in the snow raising over £13,000 for YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk held their annual Sleep Easy fundraising event on Friday 10 March, where more than 40 supporters joined hundreds of people across the country in sleeping anywhere but their bed to raise awareness of the thousands of young people made homeless each year. Participants joined a team from Ashton Legal – who sponsored the…

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We’re expanding: could you be YMCA Norfolk’s new Chaplain?

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…

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“Thanks to YMCA Norfolk, I feel safe for the first time in a long time” – Hannah’s Story

Before coming to YMCA Norfolk, Hannah was living with her mum in Wroxham. At 13-years-old she started a relationship with a much older male who had been grooming her. Hannah’s mum, who was aware of the situation, allowed the man to move in with them: encouraging the two of them to have sexual relations.  Hannah’s…

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Stomp for Santa: 4-year-old raises incredible £5,000 for homeless young people at Christmas 

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…

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YMCA Norfolk annual celebration returns to the stage to award inspiring young people

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…

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“I will never forget YMCA Norfolk – thank you for accepting me” – Danny’s Story

After almost three years with YMCA Norfolk, Danny is soon set to leave our My Place accommodation to begin living independently. Danny’s time with YMCA Norfolk started with a period of living at our Central accommodation in 2019, and since then he has taken part in a range of youth-led projects such as Kick the…

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Join our team of Directors

We’re looking to recruit two new directors to work alongside our exec team and CEO, enabling further growth across our housing, early years and communities provisions. The positions include two new roles – Housing Director and Early Years and Communities Director, both presenting an opportunity to build on YMCA Norfolk’s strong foundations across its range…

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Life Ready team contributes to the National Education Union research paper

Jade Crowe, Senior Life Ready Coach for YMCA Norfolk, recently worked with a team of education professionals to write and publish research for the National Education Union. The publication discusses alternate approaches to engaging young and adult learners in training and education, particularly those outside of mainstream education, using YMCA Norfolk’s Life Ready programme as…

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YMCA Norfolk presented with Her Majesty’s Blue Plaque Award

YMCA Norfolk were presented with the Blue Plaque award on 20th April given in recognition of their resilience throughout the Covid-19 crisis by Lord Dannatt on behalf of Her Majesty’s representative in Norfolk, The Lord Lieutenant, Lady Dannatt. The receiving of the award ties in with the charity’s anniversary, celebrating the opening of their Aylsham Road…

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Andrew’s Story: “The staff at YMCA Norfolk have not only supported me, but also improved every single aspect of my life.”

Before moving into YMCA Norfolk’s accommodation, Andrew was a participant of On Track – a countywide project that aims to clear barriers to work for young people in Norfolk through helping them get into education, training or employment. This is how Andrew found out about YMCA Norfolk, who are a partner in the project. At…

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Emma’s Story: “I have achieved so much since being with YMCA Norfolk”

Disclaimer: story mentions self-harm. Emma’s name has been changed to protect her identity. “I came to YMCA Norfolk because things at home were getting very bad and my mental health was suffering. I was living with my dad and step-mother, and due to friction and arguments in the household, it was getting to the point…

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Muddy Puddles Recruitment Morning: Join us on Saturday November 13th

Muddy Puddles Nursery, part of YMCA Norfolk, welcomed new nursery children in April 2021 and has since been rapidly expanding and gaining a brilliant reputation across Norfolk. The nursery are now looking to expand their team in line with new childcare placements from January 2022, seeking staff with a level 2 or 3 childcare qualifcation.…

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YMCA Norfolk launches new mental health campaign highlighting the difference that small talks can make to a big issue

Starting on World Mental Health Day (10 October), YMCA Norfolk is urging everyone across Norfolk to break the silence over mental health by initiating small but meaningful conversations with friends, colleagues and even strangers as part of their Small Talks, Big Difference initiative.                Everyone struggles at times with their mental health, especially over the past…

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Ending Universal Credit: uplift will disproportionately affect vulnerable young people in their housing, working and living experiences

YMCA England and Wales research into government figures today reveals the true extent of potential damage to some of the most vulnerable among the 918,000* young people currently claiming Universal Credit if the £20 a week uplift is removed on 6 October. For a young person leaving supported accommodation and relying on Universal Credit, there…

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Coffee and Careers: YMCA Norfolk set to host a range of community events at popular new hub

YMCA Norfolk have recently announced their plans to host a number of events at their brand-new Aylsham Road community hub, which consists of Williams’ Kitchen, Explorers Soft Play, Muddy Puddles Nursery and staff HQ.  Kicking off with a Careers and Coffee morning on Wednesday 22nd September, YMCA Norfolk’s friendly café, childcare, families and youth team…

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Supporting Norfolk’s Parents – YMCA Norfolk launches free support programme for Norfolk’s pandemic parents and babies

YMCA Norfolk have announced the launch of their free online parental wellbeing programme, shaped to support parents who gave birth during the Coronavirus pandemic. Starting August 16th 2021 and running through until June 2022, the families and community team have tailored blocks of 6-week online workshops around the needs of post-natal parents and new families.…

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YMCA Norfolk Shortlisted as Semi-Finalists for 3 National Youth Matters Awards

Three projects and staff members have been shortlisted as semi-finalists for the 2021 YMCA England and Wales Youth Matters Awards, which are held every year in London to celebrate the amazing work of YMCAs across the country. YMCA Norfolk Semi Finalists this year include: The E-Learning Service (Training and Education Project of the Year)Harriet King…

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Press Release: CEO Tim Sweeting steps into new role with the Diocese of Norwich

A new Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Norwich has been announced today. Tim Sweeting, currently CEO of YMCA Norfolk, will be taking up the position with the Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance (NDBF) in August this year. The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich said: “I am delighted that Tim Sweeting has been…

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YMCA Norfolk and The Youth West Partnership inspire creativity and provide support for young musicians in Norfolk after partnering with the Play Up Remote Recording Project

The ‘Play Up Project’, which initially partnered with The Youth West Partnership in Summer 2019, was successfully bringing together 33 young musicians before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Also supported by Norfolk Music Hub, the project provided an important social space for the young musicians involved, who were invited to improve on their musical skills…

Continue Reading YMCA Norfolk and The Youth West Partnership inspire creativity and provide support for young musicians in Norfolk after partnering with the Play Up Remote Recording Project

Oscar’s face mask project provides much needed face coverings and essential information to fellow YMCA Norfolk residents

YMCA Norfolk Community Housing resident Oscar, knowing first hand how tight money can be for young people during the coronavirus outbreak, wanted to do something to make face masks accessible to others who may find it a struggle to buy one. Oscar decided to undertake the task of making a number of masks himself, which…

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YMCA Norfolk’s Youth West Summer Festival to bring a week of free online events to young people in Norfolk this August 10th – 14th

The Festival’s 5-day line up boasts a variety of interactive talks, workshops and events, and is completely free to attend. Based on the theme of education, activities and activism, featured guest speakers from local organisations will be speaking about subjects such as LGBT, drugs and alcohol, Black Lives Matter, Mental Health, and Employment and Training.…

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YMCA Norfolk continues to provide essential support to vulnerable young people and families during the Covid-19 outbreak

YMCA Norfolk provides vital services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. These services have been deemed essential by the UK government and YMCA Norfolk are continuing to operate during the Covid-19 Pandemic, with new ways being found to provide support whilst adhering to the government’s guidance and social distancing measures.  Despite…

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Successful youth-led Escape Room to come to Norwich as part of the YMCA 175 Exhibition in Castle Quarter on Tuesday 11th February

The escape room is a recent collaboration between YMCA Norfolk, Norfolk Museum Service and Kick the Dust, a programme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund which aims to transform how heritage organisations engage young people in the UK.

Continue Reading Successful youth-led Escape Room to come to Norwich as part of the YMCA 175 Exhibition in Castle Quarter on Tuesday 11th February

YMCA Norfolk partners with NCFC and SOUL Church to receive Christmas Presents for Supported Children and Young People across the county

YMCA Norfolk will be taking part in The Wonder Tree giving initiative this Christmas, in partnership with Norwich City Football Club and SOUL Church. Over 800 individuals will receive a free gift from the partnership, including 240 young people that are provided a safe home and are supported by YMCA Norfolk as well as children of…

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Representing YMCA globally; an Interview with Norfolk’s Charlie Smith, Young Leader of the Year

On November 8, Charlie Smith, Senior Mental Health Youth Engagement Worker, was awarded ‘Young Leader of the Year’ at the national YMCA Youth Matters awards. 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…

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“An outstanding YMCA leader” – tributes paid to Richard Jarrold

Richard was born in 1934, the second son of John and Grace Jarrold, and lived in Cotman Road in Thorpe, Norwich.During the Second World War Richard, and his elder brother Peter, were evacuated with his school Town Close, to the safety of Westmoreland (Cumbria). His education later continued at Old Buckenham Hall School and Oundle School. Then, taking the option…

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Alex’s story: ‘being part of the YMCA community has transformed my life’

Alexandra Waters, YMCA Norfolk client, moved into YMCA accommodation earlier this year after fleeing a verbally abusive relationship with an ex. After engaging in a huge range of positive activities within YMCA over the last 7 months, she wants to share her story and inspire others to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities offered…

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YMCA Norfolk joins the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Agenda

YMCA Norfolk have pledged to launch their plans for sustainable development in the new year, in line with the UN’s 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN devised 17 Sustainable Goals at the New York Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, stating the goals are an ‘urgent call for action by all countries – developed in…

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Chef Bobby tells his incredible transformation from service user to staff member

Bobby, former YMCA Norfolk client, has recently started working as a Chef at our Stepping Stones Café by Norwich bus station. We spoke to him about his amazing transformation from service user to staff member, and how he wants to be an inspiration to the YMCA young people he now works with: “When I was…

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Martine rebuilds her life with the help of YMCA’s Yvonne

At YMCA Norfolk’s Annual Celebration 2019 on November 7, Yvonne, YMCA Norfolk Volunteer, and Martine, YMCA Norfolk client, faced the stage together to tell supporters their inspirational story: “After witnessing the murder of a family member and other horrendous atrocities, I fled The Congo and moved to the UK. I was depressed, lonely and I…

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YMCA Norfolk receives planning approval for Nursery and Community Hub

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…

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Charlie Smith from YMCA Norfolk celebrates success at National Youth Charity Awards

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…

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YMCA Norfolk celebrates inspirational clients at Annual Awards evening

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…

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YMCA Norfolk granted £200,000 for three year Life Coach Programme

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.…

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My Place residents visit Onward Enterprises to assist with Integrated Workplace Scheme

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…

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Staff member walks 40 miles in two days to raise money for YMCA Norfolk

Lorna Pearce, YMCA Norfolk Families Team Support Worker, walked a staggering 40 miles to raise money for the organisation’s young people and families over the course of two days. The pilgrimage, which began in Norwich and finished in Walsingham, consisted of a 13-mile walk on Saturday 7 September and over 26 miles on Sunday. Lorna…

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YMCA Norfolk young people take part in UK Parliament workshop

A representative from UK Parliament, Sky Yarlett, visited YMCA Norfolk’s young people at our Central Housing in Norwich today to discuss how they can get their voice heard on the topics that matter the most to them.  The UK Parliament Education and Engagement workshop took place between 11am-1pm and was open to all YMCA Norfolk young people…

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“It made me feel really proud to be a part of the YMCA” YMCA Norfolk staff share their experiences of #YMCA175

On 6 June 1844, 22-year-old draper George Williams joined 11 friends to organise the first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), a refuge of Bible study and prayer for young men seeking escape from the hazards of life on the streets of London. This week, 175 years later, YMCA Norfolk staff attended a global youth event…

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‘Kick the Dust Norfolk’ Project: ‘It’s great to see Norfolk’s Museums Service open to hearing young people’s voices’

Jade Prentice – our amazing Kick the Dust Youth Engagement Worker – is sadly moving on from YMCA to further her career in mental health. While we wish her all the best for the future, YMCA Norfolk wants to take this opportunity to showcase her fantastic work with the project over the last year.  What…

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YMCA Norfolk takes ownership of the E-Learning Service

YMCA Norfolk has recently taken ownership of the E-learning service to combine their shared vision of transforming young lives. The E-Learning Service began over 16 years ago to offer an alternative method of delivering education to children out of lessons or main-stream school through the use of technology. Jason Beattie, YMCA Norfolk Business Development Director, said: “We…

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Team YMCA Norfolk takes home 9th out of 44 at the 2019 Business Games

YMCA Norfolk took home 9th place at the 2019 Active Workplaces Business Games at UEA’s Sportspark; an annual event hosted by Active Norfolk. Over 40 Businesses and organisations across Norfolk entered teams to take part in 10 different sports throughout the day, which also included a ‘charity challenge.’ The sports for 2019 were: ArcheryBack to…

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YMCA Norfolk Supports YWCA Kenya to Celebrate World Menstrual Day 2019

YWCA Kenya have thanked YMCA Norfolk for their donation and support in recognition of World Menstrual Day 2019. Young people and staff at YMCA Norfolk raised funds in the recent months through street collections and selling hand-made items created by YMCA Norfolk young people, in addition to the donations of YMCA Norfolk supporters. (more…)

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YMCA Norfolk partner with the Catton Grove Big Local Grove to launch The Box drop in

YMCA Norfolk are inviting young people living in the Catton Grove area, aged 11-16, to attend drop in sessions at The Box community resource centre. Youth engagement workers from YMCA Norfolk will be available every Wednesday 6:30-8:30, providing a safe space for young people to talk about their worries. (more…)

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