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 facilities offered in this 1960s building is vast.
During the last financial year, 617 young people were housed by YMCA Thames Gateway Group. The sad thing is that many of the reasons that the young people find themselves homeless in the first place could happen to any of us. A recent survey, initiated by YMCA England and Wales, has shown that the majority of the young people seeking temporary accommodation are either struggling with their mental health, their families are no longer willing to help them, or they are leaving care.
Chief Executive Matt Jones, who joined the charity in March this year, said: “My first few months at YMCA Thames Gateway Group have been truly eye-opening. I don’t think many people know just what goes on inside a YMCA – and no two YMCAs are the same. What makes us a special organisation is that we’re able to adapt what we do, to provide services to, and cater for the needs of, our local communities.
“A shortage of local affordable housing is something that affects not only our young people but many others too. However, while they’re staying with us, we actively support our residents to move their lives forward, and we do all we can to find suitable and affordable accommodation. Ultimately we want to see our young people move on to live independently.
“What is brilliant, is that in the last financial year, 111 young people living in YMCA TGG accommodation have entered educational training, 62 have secured paid employment and 37 are volunteering. Plus 86 have moved into their own accommodation. I want to see more of this.”
The recently produced report, looking into the redevelopment of the Romford building, shows that there are a number of issues and activities that need to continue or be introduced into the offer. As a charity though, this won’t happen over night and options are currently being looked at for this exciting future project.
To find out more about what goes on in YMCA Romford, visit https://ymcatg.org/ymca-romford/
