YMCA SleepEasy2022

YMCAs across England unite for one mammoth virtual Sleep Easy event to raise money and awareness in aid of youth homelessness

For the very first time, YMCAs from across England will come together to take part in a mammoth virtual Sleep Easy event on Friday March 26, with the aim of raising vital funds to help tackle the root causes of youth homelessness.   Stretching from Bristol to Northumberland, this year local YMCAs have decided to harness the power of collaboration…

YMCA responds to Home Office investment to tackle serious violence, murder and knife crime

Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England & Wales, responds to Home Office announcement of £130.5 million investment to tackle serious violence, murder and knife crime “YMCA welcomes the latest announcement from the Home Office, particularly the £23 million investment in vital early intervention programmes in order to stop young people from being drawn into…

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YMCA | International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England & Wales: “Each year on International Women’s Day (IWD) we not only celebrate women’s achievements but also their determination to challenge norms and drive forward the narrative for gender equality. This feels particularly pertinent this year as we witness the disproportionate effect the pandemic has…

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YMCA responds to today’s Spring Budget announcement

Responding to the Chancellor’s Budget announcement earlier today, Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England & Wales said: “YMCA welcomes the Government’s increased focus and investment in employability for low income and vulnerable people, specifically in the sectors disproportionately affected by the pandemic, and those in which young people make-up the backbone of workers. “Young…

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Unlock financial and social barriers for homeless young people to solve rough sleeping crises

YMCA’s latest research into young people’s experiences of moving out of homelessness and into independent living has found that 70% were ready to move on but remained in supported accommodation. Of those ready to move, only one in four felt that they would be able to do so within the next three months.  During a…

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Overdue investment and further funding cuts risk leaving youth services stranded at crisis point

New analysis by YMCA shows that Local Authority spending on youth services in 2019/20 in England was £372.12m, a further reduction of 6% year-on-year. This means that since 2010/11 funding for youth services has been cut by 73%. Not only do these continued cuts come at a time when demand for youth services has intensified,…