Arvinda Gohil explains how to achieve authentic engagement with the people we support
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Why is it important to mirror the communities we support in the workplace? Our new CEO, Arvinda Gohil, has years of experience working with diverse people groups. Arvinda shares her thoughts on how organisations like the YMCA can truly be inclusive and diverse…
I have worked in several place based organisations around the country. My observations over the years (not statistically validated), but none the less worth noting is that these organisations on the whole tend to reflect the community they work with. I would go as far as to say that these organisations have given opportunity for the local community to engage economically through the employment opportunities provided. Some of this is of course by design as leaders in those organisations care deeply and pay attention to the importance of community engagement not only in service delivery but also in its governance structures.
So what is this special ingredient that enables this mirroring to work so strongly and why is it important?
It is only when we are able to demonstrate empathy, a true desire to support and a genuine commitment to assist people regardless of how they present, and the complexity of their lives that we are able to work with and show empathy for people in need of support.
People from these communities for a myriad of reasons, have on the whole failed to secure roles in the main stream. These communities are generally poorer with lower attainment levels and lacking role models could be some of the reasons.
The ‘mainstream’ does however present a mode of operation and a way of conducting oneself, which is often alien to people in communities.
People from these communities, myself included, have actively chosen to work in these organisations. It has been a particular personal driver for me.
What is so special about this mirroring and why it works in some organisations and not others, is the question I have pondered for many years. I do not assume I have the answer but I do believe one of the key ingredients is the ability to relate, show humility, care and attention that mirrors culturally, socially, economically and ethnically.
Only when we stop treating people who come through our doors as ‘other’, as ‘disadvantaged’, as ‘needy’, ‘in need’, requiring ‘help and support’, can we truly begin to be organisations that genuinely reflect communities we aspire to work with. Yes, it is us that aspire to work with them and we recognise that we are all in some way or another, at some points in our lives, users of support and services. We are all at some time likely to use the NHS at some time in our lives, the Chemist, social services, etc.
We are all the community and we are all equal members and participants in this community, however you may define that community. If we do not in organisations look and feel like the community we live and work in, we will never succeed. We will always remain the ‘other’.
This special cocktail of ingredients is often overlooked and undervalued and yet in community based organisations, it is what sets them apart. The ability to mirror a person’s ethnicity, gender, experience and similar life chances makes the quality of engagement and dialogue something special and precious. It helps us create empathy and understanding that goes beyond the need to talk the same language.
In building a team that is able to achieve this special cocktail, employing an excellent skilled youth worker is as important as their ethnicity, gender, socio economic group and many other such traits. We have failed to recognise that these traits are as important as the technical experience of working with young people, older people, women, and so on. It is this approach that creates authenticity, a sense of belonging and brings about its own magic. It not only demonstrates to the community that we are of and from them, but also demonstrates to society at large that these places are what makes our country such a unique and special place.
Marc is a qualified Swimming Teacher who volunteers at the YMCA’s award winning Positive Strokes Swimming Club.
Positive Strokes is part of Positive Health, which has been helping people living with HIV, keep fit, since 1997. When Marc first joined, he was at a real low point, but thanks to its nurturing environment, he’s turned his life around and now giving back to the cause he’s most passionate about.
Positive Strokes, which was established in 2015, is entirely run by volunteers like Marc and takes place in the YMCA Club’s pool every Friday. It comprises of three groups – beginners, intermediate and advanced.
It currently has around 30 members – men and women from different areas, all ages, all walks of life and varied swimming ability who are living with HIV. Some are recently coming to terms with their new diagnosis and others have been living with HIV for many years. Whatever their background or ability, Positive Strokes aims to help people feel good about themselves in a stigma-free environment.
Positive Strokes’ phenomenal work was recognised in 2017 when it won the ‘David Sparkes Award’ during the Swim England National Awards. Several swimmers from the club have even taken part in international competitions and have come back with medals. Today, Marc is proud to be part of its success, but there were times in his life when his confidence hit rock bottom.
“My lowest point was having to hide it from everybody”
Marc was diagnosed with HIV 25 years ago as a young professional in his twenties. As an ambitious full-time Account Manager in the financial sector, he felt unable to talk about what he was going through:
“I hated hiding, but I couldn’t come out in the environment I was in. I had already come out as a gay man which was very stressful, but to come out again 25 years ago with this huge thing was a big deal. I couldn’t talk about it. Juggling hospital appointments, medication, managing a new regime and a busy working life, while not being able to talk to anybody, was really difficult.
I’m not saying they wouldn’t have accepted it, but you don’t want to be treated differently. You want the same opportunities as everybody else, so you keep it a secret. I managed to cope, but a lot of people can’t. Luckily, I was never that sick, but a lot of people I know were very sick and only had a few weeks or months to live. Some of my friends died.”
“I lost myself”
Although this was a difficult time, six years ago Marc hit another low when he was made redundant and his relationship broke down. After 21 years in the same job, it was a big shock. He decided to go travelling for a year across South America, which was a great experience, but when he got back, he broke up with his partner:
“I had a terrible break-up and I was out of work for a good three years. I went through a very rough time and I was in a dark place. When we broke up, I didn’t really do anything – I just wasted my time and went down a route which wasn’t very pleasant. I was hanging out with the wrong people, doing the wrong things and I wasn’t looking after myself. I was doing things for everybody else and completely forgot what my needs were – I woke up one day and didn’t even know what music I liked anymore. I lost myself.”
The only way is up!
Like all Positive Health members, Marc was referred by his HIV doctor. He’d always been sporty and used to play a lot of basketball, badminton and tennis. He used to love snowboarding too but due to a back injury caused by degenerative discs, he had to stop all impact sports. After several operations, he became less agile and needed a new way of keeping fit. He wasn’t keen on the gym so he gave swimming a go:
“I wanted to feel good about myself, get fitter again and become more sociable because I had become a recluse. I tried a swimming lesson and loved it! It opened up new horizons for me – it was a re-birth really and Fridays became my focus point. I really looked forward to my swimming lessons – it was the nice thing that happened to me during the week. Little by little, I felt better about myself, became more sociable and met more people. The Teachers at Positive Strokes were so encouraging, positive and motivating – I’m so grateful to them for helping me find my way.”
Not the death sentence it once was
Although HIV is no longer the death sentence that was once widely reported in the 1980s, living with HIV still has its challenges. Depending on individual virus levels in the blood, people still have a weak immune system so might be more prone to infection such as pneumonia.
Marc must take medication twice a day and gets his blood checked every three to six months. Over time, many people become resistant to their medication. In Marc’s case, since his diagnosis 25 years ago, he has become resistant to several drugs:
“You have to get used to a new regime which may not agree with you. The side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or numbness. Every time you have to change drugs it can be stressful because you’re narrowing your options. Although there are new drugs available, if you try them and become resistant to all of them, you feel stuck..”
Also, there is still some stigma attached to the virus so many people don’t feel comfortable talking about their status at work or with their friends or family:
“They’re still kind of closeted in a way. There’s still a negative image of people who are HIV+. Some people tend to think you’re weaker or you’re in ill health or you might be needy or have mental health issues. We might need help occasionally, but we’re not in the situation where we can’t do stuff. We can be perfectly sporty and do as much exercise as we want and be HIV+. Many of us enter international competitions and win medals. We can be as good as anybody else. Yes, we take a lot of medication and we may have some health issues, but it doesn’t mean we can’t flourish like anybody else.”
Positive Strokes empowers people living with HIV to talk about their treatment and how they feel. No one has to hide – they feel liberated and their self-confidence grows. It enables them to get back into exercise when they thought exercise just wasn’t for them. For people who don’t really know who to turn to, a social and active club like Positive Strokes can be hugely beneficial.
“I love the fact that I can give something back”
Marc admits that his former career was all-consuming, leaving little time for others. Now having broken free from the shackles of the corporate world, Marc – originally from Switzerland – now teaches part-time, which enables him to volunteer at Positive Strokes every Friday. He takes great pleasure in seeing others progress:
“When my career suddenly stopped, I started to see all sorts of people – I saw another world. At Positive Strokes, I meet people who I wouldn’t have met before who have a completely different lifestyle and quality of life to me – these are real people. I wanted to give back because Positive Strokes gave me a lot. It was what I needed at that time and they helped me to get out of the hole I was stuck in. I don’t think I would be in the happy space that I’m in now without Positive Strokes.
I’ve seen incredible results – I love seeing the transformation in our swimmers. We have some men and women who are so scared of water and then six months down the line, they can do several lengths and can swim freely – it’s really gratifying. They feel much better about themselves – their health, fitness and overall wellbeing is improving. I never thought I would be a qualified Swimming Teacher – it hadn’t crossed my mind before. I couldn’t be happier doing it. I’m going to carry on volunteering here because I love doing it.”
“We are delighted to welcome Keir Starmer back to Central YMCA to share the breadth of services we have on offer which support our community particularly in our recovery from the impact of the pandemic.” – Arvinda Gohil, Chief Executive
Keir Starmer met learners, volunteers, members and staff in a visit to the world’s first YMCA, located in his constituency of Holborn and St. Pancras and heard about the Charity’s work aimed at strengthening communities and breaking down barriers through programmes in health and education.
Central YMCA support the local authority’s commitment to ‘Flourishing Lives’ and to the Borough’s health and well-being strategy ‘Start, Live and Age Well’ – themes that sit within the charity’s own passion and commitment. Through Keir and his team we look forward to contributing to these innovative strategies for the area.
Keir heard from participants in the Charity’s many community programmes ranging from their school P.E. provision, playschemes, youth employability and development programmes, an exercise referral programme for people living with HIV and an extensive programme aimed at keeping older adults active and healthy.
“It’s fantastic to come back to Central YMCA again and see the incredible work they are doing in the community, particularly with schools and young people, which has a huge impact not only on physical health and mental health but also on the education and skills that young people need. An inspiring visit.”
– Keir Starmer
Keir spoke with Arvinda Gohil, Central YMCA’s Chief Executive and Andrew Beal, Chair of the Board of Trustees about the Charity’s ambition to work more closely with communities and organisations post-pandemic to support more people in the Borough.
“We are delighted to welcome Keir Starmer back to Central YMCA to share the breadth of services we have on offer which support our community particularly in our recovery from the impact of the pandemic.”
– Arvinda Gohil, Central YMCA Chief Executive
While there, he had a Q&A session with young people participating in one of Central YMCA’s employability programmes, the ‘Fitness Training Academy – Powered by Nike’ a 2-year course which gives young people aged 16 to 18 with qualifications, work experience and career support they need to succeed in the modern economy.
Keir presented the young learners with certificates including best attendance and progression of the month and had discussions of the barriers and challenges which they face today as well as the impact which the pandemic has had in their lives, education and their view of the future.
We’re so excited to announce that we are launching the Y’s Girls Project in London, in partnership with YMCA England & Wales.
We are proud to announce that we have received an Ofsted rating of GOOD across all areas of Education and Training operations within the Charity!
Ofsted officials visited with us in December 2023 to evaluate our various provisions, including our Education and Apprenticeship programmes and the qualifications delivered through YMCAfit. Considering the complexity of our provision, an Ofsted rating of Good is an excellent achievement!
Some highlights from the report include:
◾ Young learners, many of whom face significant challenges in their lives, feel extremely well supported by staff.
◾ A high proportion of apprentices and learners move into employment or further education when they complete their studies.
◾ Tutors use assessment effectively to help apprentices and learners thoroughly understand what they are taught.
◾ Leaders and managers make sure that apprentices and learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive effective support.
◾ Apprentices receive good support from their tutors, who are experts in their subjects.
◾ Adult learners benefit from a well-planned curriculum. This enables them to practise and develop the practical skills they need to achieve and gain employment in their chosen sector.
◾ Apprentices and learners of all ages enjoy their courses.
◾ Apprentices and learners feel safe. They know who to speak to if they have a concern for their own or others’ welfare. They are confident that if they raise any concerns, staff would treat these seriously.
We want to extend our appreciation to all the tutors and staff who work hard to deliver high-quality programmes for our learners and apprentices and who allow us to make such a positive impact on our communities.
Supporting girls and women to be their best through the Y’s Girls
Y’s Girls Project in London
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We’re so excited to announce that we are launching the Y’s Girls Project in London, in partnership with YMCA England & Wales.
Young girls in London, like their peers nationwide, need trusted adults now more than ever. Y’s Girls addresses this need, fostering resilience, confidence, and self-belief in girls facing challenges at school, at home, and with their self-esteem.
How will the Y’s Girls Project help young girls?
Through the programme, girls between the ages of 9 and 14 will be paired with a trained mentor who will work with them to gain confidence, explore their interests, and learn new things in an informal and fun environment, and it opens opportunities for the girls to try new things that they might not get the chance to do otherwise. Y’s Girls also provides a safe space for girls to talk through things that are bothering and seek advice, particularly around things that they may not feel comfortable sharing with parents, friends, or teachers.
The Y’s Girls Project has already seen great success in Scotland and internationally, and we can’t wait to open new opportunities for girls in London. The impact also extends beyond personal growth, influencing their families, communities, education, and lifelong opportunities.
If you would like to learn more about the Y’s Girls Project or you’re interested in becoming a mentor, please reach out to Allison Bishop.
This 2024, Central YMCA has decided to tackle the ultimate obstacle course: Born Survivor.
At Central YMCA we are committed to pro-actively managing our direct and indirect environmental and social impacts and see this as central to maintaining a successful organisation long into the future.
Not only is there a moral imperative to act as global citizens we also feel the clear alignment to our charity’s founding principles to do what we can to reduce the damage created by negative climate change given the fundamental threat to human health.
Climate-sensitive health risks are disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, including women, children, ethnic minorities, poor communities, migrants or displaced persons, older populations, and those with underlying health conditions.
Similarly, as part of the Charity’s wider commitment to delivering against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we recognise our responsibility to reduce our carbon and environmental footprints and play our part in the UN’s global ‘Race to Zero’.
We strongly believe that good environmental management is an essential part of overall good practice in all business types, including the not-for-profit sector. Therefore, we strive to go beyond the minimum available environmental standards in all areas of operation and promote these ideals with our suppliers and partners.
This was a major consideration in our developing partnership with Junkwize. As a complex and diverse organisation, we work closely with, and rely on, our suppliers to support our endeavours for a better planet, sentiments that Junkwize fully adopt in their approach to waste management and disposal.
Affordable and efficient, they have provided fully flexible services with the utmost professionalism. Fully insured and licensed by the Environment Agency to clear all forms for rubbish. We initially used them to support with electrical and electronic equipment recycling, known as WEEE waste in the industry. They focus on eco-friendly rubbish removal that maximizes recycling and minimizes landfill usage across Greater London.
This 2024, Central YMCA has decided to tackle the ultimate obstacle course: Born Survivor.
On 27 April, employees across the organisation will attempt to overcome over 30 military-designed obstacles to demonstrate our commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of our community. Through the various challenges, they’ll display the foundation that underlies all the work that we do: collaboration and bravery to do the right thing.
This challenge will raise funds for our social prescription projects, which support those with long-term health conditions. From cardiac rehabilitation exercise schemes to social support for those who are HIV positive, we offer personalised care for those who need support.
Donate now, and support us in delivering life-changing programmes to our community.
There are so many ways you can contribute to our fundraising objectives. You may choose to organise a bake sale with your friends at university or facilitate a quiz night with your work colleagues. The options are limitless, and we’d love for you to work with us to support our cause.
Celebrating one of Central YMCA’s incredible women: Claire Johnson
one of the inspirational women who we are proud to have as part of the Central YMCA team.
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As Women’s History Month comes to an end,
we want to take this opportunity to showcase one of the inspirational women who we are proud to have as part of the Central YMCA team. Claire Johnson has been with Central YMCA since 2014, delivering courses in Business Administration, Customer Service, and Team Leading and Supervising in Eastbourne.
Claire’s world was flipped upside down on 28 September 2022 when she was told five little words no one ever wants to hear, “Unfortunately, you have breast cancer.”
Before her diagnosis, Claire hadn’t noticed any warning signs. She went to the doctor for her routine mammogram, where they discovered abnormalities. After some testing, it was confirmed as stage 2 grade 2 breast cancer.
Her mind immediately became overwhelmed with the seemingly endless piles of paperwork, doctor’s appointments, and trying to come to terms with everything. Within three weeks, Claire had a double lumpectomy and got scheduled in for radiotherapy at Charing Cross Hospital.
But where many people would shut down and withdraw into themself, Claire jumped into action. She wanted to do everything possible to turn this negative circumstance into a positive.
Once she had recovered from her round of intensive radiotherapy, Claire teamed up with Emily Hurd, a web designer she met at a networking event in Eastbourne. When Claire told her about an idea of starting a website to raise awareness of breast cancer, Emily was immediately on board – the cause is also close to her as her mother lost her best friend to breast cancer.
Together, Claire and Emily created the website Breast Friends Forever Community, which went live on 28 September 2023 – a significant date as it was the one-year anniversary of Claire’s diagnosis. The website was designed to be an online community to share the stories of women with breast cancer, diagrams and tips on how to do a self-check, a memorial page for women who have lost their battle with breast cancer, and further readings for people who have been diagnosed. They have also recently connected with a men’s group to help raise awareness that men can develop breast cancer too.
A major part of Breast Friends Forever is the fundraising they do for Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, and the St. Wilfred’s Hospice in Eastbourne. Since launching about six months ago, they have already hosted several successful fundraising events, including their launch party, a danceathon, and pizza and quiz night, and they have a flower pressing workshop and a fashion show scheduled for this spring. Through their fundraising, Claire and Emily raised £2050 in 2023 and have raised £507 (so far!) in 2024.
You may see upcoming events on the Breast Friends Forever website or click here to make a direct donation to Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, and St. Wilfred’s Hospice.
Claire has continued to stay optimistic through her journey with breast cancer, saying that “even on the worst of days, you can find positives.” She is grateful for the supportive community she has around her and has learned just how important it is to prioritise your physical and mental wellbeing. She wants to share a special shoutout to her line manager at Central YMCA, Dianne Darvell, who went above and beyond in offering support. She did not hesitate to take on additional work to ensure Claire had all the time she needed to focus on her treatment.
Alongside her work with Breast Friends Forever, Claire has also begun a Level 2 course in Cancer Support. Once she completes the course, she will be fully qualified to support people through their journeys with all forms of cancer.
Claire truly represents our values, and we are so proud and happy to have her as part of the Central YMCA family. We are very glad that she is now on the road to remission.
If you would like to read more about Claire’s journey, learn more about breast cancer, or hear about upcoming fundraising events, head over to the Breast Friends Forever website.
Central YMCA launches Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps
as part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee
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We are proud to announce the launch of our Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps,
A programme designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in the early years sector. The programme is free to eligible learners and highly interactive in nature, giving participants the opportunity to build up career-specific knowledge and skills to confidently enter the early years sector.
The Skills Bootcamps also benefit employers in the sector, providing them with a robust pool of prospective employees ready to enter a nursery setting in full-time employment or on an accelerated L3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship. Upon completion of the programme, participants will be offered an interview with an employer.
We are excited to be working closely with Norfolk, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire County Councils to deliver these valuable programmes that are tailored for people at all stages of an early years career, including aspiring educators just starting out, career changers entering the sector, and support staff or volunteers looking to progress into early years roles.
Learners who participate in our 12-week Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps will benefit from:
Comprehensive Early Years curriculum
Live, online training sessions led by highly qualified tutors
Remote accessibility so learners can participate from location of choice
Career support and guidance, with a guaranteed interview upon completion of programme
Speaking on the programme, Monique Clements, Central YMCA’s Director of Education and Training, said “We are thrilled to launch our Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps, which is a vital part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing the education, health, and well-being of our communities. By providing free, highly interactive training, we are equipping eligible learners with the sector-specific knowledge and skills necessary to confidently enter the Early Years sector.
We are particularly pleased to be collaborating with Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils — where we are the sole delivery partner in Early Years, as well as Hertfordshire County Council to deliver these Skills Bootcamps in their communities. Our partnerships allow us to create improved access to life-changing opportunities, ultimately supporting our vision of fostering a more educated and healthy society. We look forward to seeing the positive impact our Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps will have on our community and the broader Early Years sector.”
Our first cohorts for the Early Years Professional Skills Bootcamps are due to begin in Autumn. Norfolk and Suffolk Skills Bootcamps will start in September 2024 and February 2025, and Hertfordshire Skills Bootcamps in October 2024 and January 2025. Applications are now open for all start dates.
Are you interested in learning more from a learner or an employer perspective? Visit this page for more information about the Skills Bootcamps or get in touch directly with us at Info.SkillsBootcamps@ymca.co.uk.
Central YMCA are doing the London Landmarks Half Marathon
You can be one of our runners!
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On April 6 2025, ten dedicated runners will be racing through 13.1 miles of London’s most iconic routes to raise money for Central YMCA. Starting off at Pall Mall, the course will lead to memorable sights across the city, including the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben – celebrating the rich history that London has to offer.
Join our fight for better health
Are you interested in running for us? Lace up your running shoes and click here to express your interest in participating. Spots are limited, so make sure your application form stands out from the crowd! We want to hear about why you want to run, and what your fundraising plans are.
Every donation received for this half marathon will be allocated to support our life-changing wellbeing programmes; helping to create a stronger and healthier society.
Every year, we support over 6,000 people to get active and improve their health with our wellbeing programmes – people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Participating in physical activity comes with a variety of health benefits: from getting stronger to reducing stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, 11.9 million of UK citizens do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week. The reasons for this are varied. Some don’t have access to safe spaces to exercise, while others might not be able to afford classes.
That’s where we come in. At Central YMCA we create services to ensure everyone can get active and improve their health, regardless of their background or level of ability. We prioritise creating friendly, accessible and supportive environments to exercise, especially for those who’ve never had that before. Join us in this run, and race for life-changing wellbeing programmes for all.
