A Message From The Chair

I am pleased to introduce the annual report of YMCA Barnsley. In what has been a difficult year for everyone, we have tried to ensure that our work with young people has continued in some form to ensure they are supported during this difficult period. We have all learned new skills, be it for social media, zoom and teams and work outside of our buildings; our report this year shines a light on our work within the local community.

As ever our team of dedicated staff have continued to go above and beyond for us: across all our projects with support from our core admin team. Our staff and volunteers bring so much to the projects they are involved with, and to the wider work of the YMCA.

The Unity Project whose aim is to build emotional resilience and wellbeing in young people age 8–14 years will be so vital in moving forward and similarly our work within other projects including detached work in the Central and North Areas, Y Stay In for 13- 19’s, Young Volunteers, Short Breaks and Little Y will be key in supporting our young people as we re-open our centre based youth work.

We are now starting to emerge from the latest lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. For many this will have been another difficult period but hopefully it has also given the opportunity to reflect on what has passed and is a time to look forward to building on our work from 2019/20 taking positives from the last year where we can. However we emerge, our goal remains to support our young people to reach their full potential.

Sue Williams.
Chair.

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.

A Message From The Chair

Welcome to our annual report for 2018-2019, giving an insight in to the work and focus of YMCA Barnsley.

2018 saw significant changes within our Association. The sale of the Eldon Street premises released much needed funds to maintain the Blucher Street site. Major work on the roof has now been completed and the building is once again watertight. To be effective in moving forward the upstairs of the premises was closed; as Trustees we felt that we could no longer be everything to everybody. These changes marked the start of the implementation of the strategic plan which is aligned to our vision of building a sustainable community to facilitate supporting children and young people to enable them to belong, contribute and thrive, underpinned by the Christian ethos. To create sustainability, we are currently exploring new avenues of income generation, so we are financially viable.

We are dedicated to empowering young people to reach their true potential. The case studies shown illustrate how young people can and have taken positive steps to change their lives. The projects delivered have been possible due to a team of hardworking and dedicated staff all of whom are valued assets of our Association. Our excellent reputation extends beyond the Borough as the Greenbelt report illustrates.

This annual report is just a brief glimpse into YMCA Barnsley. If you have been inspired by what you have read and would like to get involved, then do contact us – we would love to hear from you. – Julie Enoch