John, aged 55, was treated for throat cancer in early 2023, and after 35 gruelling radiotherapy sessions and two rounds of chemotherapy, wasn’t physically able to cope with a final round of chemo to complete the treatment. The side effects of the treatment really took a toll on John, who then struggled to eat, drink…
Anthony’s journey with YMCA started when he was just 16 and a student at our Horizon Project. The course, which equips young people with carpentry and joinery skills, is designed to help students who are hard-to-reach, have SEN or additional needs to get back into education, training or employment. Life back then was difficult for…
The discovery of RAAC at YMCA Woolwich’s purpose-built Woolwich Youth Zone resulted both in the closure of the youth club as well as its rentable community spaces, which provided an important source of income for the clubs. On top of an increased demand for the grants that are available to charities, and a reduction in…
CHILDREN’S SERVICES Pre-school The last day is Friday, 13 December. Pre-school re-opens on Monday, 6 January 2025 After school club The last day is Friday, 20 December. After school club reopens on Monday, 6 January 2025 Holiday club dates: Monday, 23 December Friday, 27 December Monday, 30 December Thursday, 2 January Friday, 3 January CATERING…
Here are our line up of Christmas events over the festive period. Please keep checking back as more events may be added. Sunday, 1 December (Romford) from 4.30pm Winter Concert – YMCA Orchestra – tickets available on door Tuesday, 10 December (Romford) from 12.30pm – 3pm Community Christmas party – tickets available at front of…
We’re celebrating one of our young people after he was named Young Achiever of the Year at this year’s YMCA England and Wales Youth Matters Awards. Luke Shotter had a difficult upbringing but, with the support of our West Kent branch, has turned his life around. Luke engaged in further education and now has a…
Luke’s upbringing was marked by turbulence, living with an abusive father who is now serving time in prison for multiple violent crimes. This experience affected Luke in many ways and left him feeling scared, isolated and very anxious about going outside. This in turn impacted on Luke’s experience of school which was also challenging. Whilst Luke’s…
Charity shops continue to be an important way for charities to generate income so when YMCA Thames Gateway Group’s Tunbridge Wells shop was broken into last Thursday night (1 November), the impact felt was tangible. The furniture store on Goods Station Road was the only shop in the area to be targeted, with £40 stolen…
Opening times for our Romford branch (26 August): GYM & CLASSES ► Gym open as usual from 5am – 10pm (no instructor available) ► RPM (Les Mills virtual) available from 5am – 7.30pm ► Body Pump at 9.30am with Roy ► RPM at 10.30am with Roy CHILDREN’S SERVICES ► Closed TOMMY’S PLACE RESTAURANT Members &…
The iconic ten-storey YMCA tower block at Roneo Corner, Romford, caters for a broad spectrum of the local community; many more than most realise. From the cancer and seated rehabilitation groups, the onsite preschool and the gym, through to the young people who live in the building, the variety of community members that use the…
