The History of YMCA Norfolk
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was founded by George Williams in London 1844 to offer young working men a Christian focus, supporting both mental and spiritual development. From these roots the YMCA has grown into a global movement, now active in 119 countries and reaching 58 million people worldwide.
YMCA Norfolk: 1856 – Today
A YMCA was established in Norwich in 1856, supported and influenced by many prominent local names and businesses including J.J. Colman, J.H. Gurney and the Jarrolds.
The YMCA answered the need to provide support to those new to the city, offering education, activities, and an introduction to social life. As the YMCA became well-established in Norwich, interest spread across the region with Associations opening in Thetford in 1860, Gt. Yarmouth in 1874, and Kings Lynn in 1881.
A new century brought with it immense changes world-wide which would drive and define key areas of work throughout YMCA Norfolk’s history…
The First and Second World Wars led the YMCA to carry out vital support across the region; notable work included the YMCA Huts programme which offered a place of rest and comfort to men stationed both at home and on the frontline, and the mobile canteen services which provided refreshment to people affected by bombing raids across Norfolk in 1942. Mobile canteens also provided much welcomed relief to troops stationed in remote, rural locations, including the United States Army Air Force occupying bases across East Anglia.
Post-war, the region experienced a surge in new developments which occupied areas destroyed by the bombing raids. The Norwich City College was opened, attracting students not only from across Norfolk and Suffolk, but also overseas. Throughout the 1950s-70s the YMCA focussed on providing hostel accommodation for these students as well providing outreach work with children.
By the 21st Century the YMCA began to address the needs of homeless, unemployed and disadvantaged young people. By 2006 activities extended right across the region, and so the Association decided to run under the name YMCA Norfolk.
YMCA Norfolk Today
YMCA Norfolk provides support and advice for children, young people and their families, as well as accommodation, health and wellbeing activities and training and education opportunities.
YMCA Norfolk has an impressive story to tell and a heritage to treasure, but more importantly it has new generations to serve.
Timeline
1844
YMCA was founded by George Williams
1844
Reading rooms and refreshment areas help young men to adjust to urban life
1851
YMCA goes global and begins
1855
Henry Dunant convinced YMCA Paris to organise the first YMCA world conference
1856
Norwich Young Men’s Christian Association is founded
1891
The American YMCA invents basketball and goes on to invent volleyball in 1895
1894
On the 50th anniversary of the YMCA, George Williams receives a Knighthood from Queen Victoria
1908
The YMCA was an early influence on the scouting movement
1914
During the First World War, the YMCA supports the troops. The Red Poppy is introduced by an American YMCA worker and goes on to become a worldwide symbol of remembrance for those lost in the world wars
1916
A YMCA employment
department is set up in England to deal with unemployment.
It finds jobs for 38,000 ex-servicemen
1939
During WW2 the organisation was turned over to accommodating and feeding troops, mobile canteens were provided in rural Norfolk
1959
YMCA began youth clubs for personal development
1962
The first YMCA Summer Camps were pioneered in Norwich
1970
YMCA George Williams College is Established in London, providing training programmes for professional youth workers
1970
Emphasis shifts towards supporting young homeless people in Norfolk
1992
Schools programmes help young people with personal and family problems affecting their education
1994
HRH The Prince of Wales visits Norwich following the launch of the pioneering Foyer Concept
2006
Norwich YMCA becomes YMCA Norfolk to reflect the growing work across the county
2007
Innovative Supported Lodgings programme extended across the county
2009
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh opens Norwich Central YMCA at Norwich Bus Station
2012
Launch of Stepping Stones Café, a training and skills social enterprise
2013
YMCA Norfolk starts providing accommodation for single parent families
2014
HRH The Princess Royal gives the royal seal of approval
for YMCA Norfolk’s MyPlace move on accommodation
2015
YMCA Norfolk starts new work supporting families to lead more fulfilling lives
2016
Expansion of accommodation and support for young people in Kings Lynn
2018
Expansion of YMCA Youth Clubs & programmes across the county
2021
YMCA Aylsham Road opens to the community with Muddy Puddles Nursery, William’s Kitchen Café & Explorers Soft Pay.