YMCA Barnsley Annual Report 2019 – 2020

A Message From The Chair

I am delighted to welcome you to the annual report of YMCA Barnsley. A showcase of our work within the local community.

Our team of dedicated, hardworking staff have continued to go above and beyond their remit culminating in the recommissioning of work within the central area to “Build Emotional Resilience and Wellbeing in Young People age 8–14 years”. This project runs alongside the other children’s and youth work programmes, all of which enable young people to reach their true potential. There has been a wide range of activities offered, to suit all, building confidence and enabling young people to develop skills to take through life. This has been particularly illustrated within Y Stay In, the 13-19 year-old youth group. Having approached the Board to ask if they could repurpose the IT suite to use as a safe space, they embarked on fund raising to raise money to refurbish the room. This shows the confidence they have gained to take control of their space and to engage with the Trustees in a positive manner. This can only bode well for the future of our organisation. The success of the projects has continued to grow as participation levels increase and relationships with third parties continue to expand. Likewise, our Young Volunteers continue their excellent role and have participated in YMCA 175 and Greenbelt where once again there has been fabulous feedback.

Staff and volunteers have worked hard to support the vulnerable within our community and through fund raising events have purchased equipment to support the homeless so that they have clean dry clothes. The Trustees of the organisation have continued to move forward in reviewing and implementing the Strategic Plan. This has been financially challenging at times, especially in securing funds to meet core costs. As Trustees, we work positively to ensure that young people for years to come have the resources and hence opportunities to make a positive contribution not only to their own lives but also to their communities.

As I write this the country is in lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These unprecedented times have brought their own challenges especially to our role and relationship with the children, young people and their families. For many this will have been a time of reflection but also a time to look forward. Whatever “new” normal lies ahead we look forward to re-opening our doors to offer support in whatever shape that may take. – Julie Enoch.