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 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. 

Click here to read the full report from Ofsted. 

If you are interested in learning more about the work we do and programmes we offer within Education and Training, you may read more about them here. 

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.

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.

To find out more about Junkwize please visit their WEEE waste page.

To find out more about Central YMCA’s sustainability agenda and impact click here.

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.

Want to fundraise for us? 

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. 

Reach out to our fundraising team at fundraising.team@ymca.co.uk to find out next steps. 

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. 

Further resources: 

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: 

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. 

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. 

You can also contact us at fundraising.team@ymca.co.uk to understand this event a bit better. 

Why are we running? 

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. 

It’s time to announce our most recent partnership… we’ve signed up to Business in the Community’s Opening Doors campaign. And we’re in good company! We’re joining dozens of other UK companies in the campaign, and that number is steadily growing. Together, we’re changing the way the recruitment and hiring process works. 

The current labour market is a tough one to navigate. Although there are a record number of job vacancies available, a huge portion of the potential market – around three million people – faces barriers to employment. This includes, but isn’t limited to, individuals who are disabled, ex-military, those with previous convictions, people who have experienced homelessness, older workers, and refugees. Alongside Opening Doors, we’re committed to adopting a more inclusive recruitment process and hiring diverse and untapped talent. 

Some of the commitments we’ve made as part of the Opening Doors campaign include: 

An inclusive and equitable world won’t happen overnight, but we’re deeply committed to getting closer over the next few years. Business in the Community’s Opening Doors campaign plans to make 2 million jobs more inclusive by 2025, and we’re so honoured and proud to be a part of it!