Charlie Smith – YMCA Norfolk
Charlie joined YMCA Norfolk as an engagement worker four years ago and her achievements have been wide and varied over this period of time. Charlie has been instrumental in growing and developing our Mind Matters team, always leading by example.
In 2017 Charlie completed the training for MHFA and through her dedication and hard work has driven the project forward from being grant dependant to predominately sales based. Charlie has delivered numerous mental health sessions to young people in schools, youth settings, YMCA residents and through outreach work across Norfolk. Through this targeted and universal work she has raised awareness of mental health issues and made strides to break down the stigma of mental health in many of the more challenging areas of Norfolk. Through her close working links with YMCA England & Wales she has imbedded the “I am Whole” Campaign and” Be Real” into a clear majority of the workshops and sessions; developing close links with other local charities and churches to grow her reach.
Charlie’s passion for the work has not stopped in Norfolk and in her role as Youth Ambassador for YMCA England & Wales she has travelled all over; delivering the positive mental health message. Charlie attended the YMCA conference in Switzerland and delivered a training session to other YMCA staff and Youth Ambassadors. In 2018 she delivered a powerful message in St Pauls Cathedral supporting YMCA England & Wales’ successful fundraising campaign.
Charlie completed her training as a new YMCA line manager, successfully completing her ILM level 3. She has supported and inspired her team throughout. More recently becoming a first-time mum she continues to volunteer her time to YMCA and recently visited YMCA St Paul’s Group to discuss our Mental Health work alongside other mental health advocates with Prince Harry. She is volunteering her time in June for YMCA 175.