West London YMCA recently hosted a visit from Nick Hurd MP on behalf of the YMCA Movement.  Nick Hurd is the shadow minister for the voluntary sector.  Before Christmas he, and other front bench colleagues, met a delegation from the YMCA Movement, supported by YMCA England.  This visit to the centre in Hayes built upon his local constituency link to West London YMCA, and his national interest in working with voluntary sector organisations, to show that the YMCA is both locally relevant and nationally significant.

As a local MP, Nick Hurd had been invited to attend the launch of a new night shelter for rough sleepers but sent his apologies.  Daniel Haigh, West London YMCA's Development and Partnership Manager, arranged the visit with Nick's constituency office.  Daniel informed YMCA England about this visit in advance, and asked us how we could contribute.  As Nick could only attend for a limited time, this wasn't an opportunity for other people from the Movement to share lunch with him and talk about issues of shared interest, but this was an opportunity for Nick to see a local YMCA that is an example of the work done throughout the YMCA Movement in England.  West London YMCA's CEO Clare Scott Booth showed Nick around the centre and he spoke to young people there.  She also re-iterated the offer made by the YMCA movement to work with the Conservative Party as they develop their policy on commissioning arrangements for voluntary sector organisations, following on from the recent briefing and consultation day event on youth participation, hosted by YMCA England and which Clair chaired.

Having consulted with Nick's constituency office, Daniel arranged for a photographer to accompany him during his visit.  Sharing media coverage - such as is attached - with a local MP can help both parties.  A press release was sent to local media a week in advance of the visit.  As a result, West London YMCA gained positive coverage for the work they do, with additional impact provided by the inclusion of a photo of the MP (who in this role is a bit of a local celebrity).  The article also shows a local member of parliament talking to his constituents about an important issue: young people.  Daniel concluded that is was a very satisfactory visit, although the photographer didn't need to get Nick and Clare to pose for photos as soon as he arrived, as the better pictures where when Nick met the young people at the Hayes Centre.

This small case study is an example of how a local YMCA can make the most from a visit by a local politician.  West London YMCA created a 'movement moment' as it demonstrated national significance and local relevance, positioning its work as an example of interest in young people and the delivery of services in the local community that is representative of a network with over 135 members across England: the YMCA Movement.

To see West London YMCA's press release, please click here.