YMCA Manifesto 2015

YMCA is over 170 years old and though the world may be a different place to what it was all those years ago the aspirations of the young people that YMCA works with are no different – to be educated, to work, to have a purpose, to have a place to call home and to be loved.

In order to be true to the nature of our foundations, this manifesto is rooted in the views and experiences of those YMCAs seek to serve. As such this has been the most engaging manifesto consultation in our history, focusing on those who breathe the day-to-day life into YMCAs – its staff, chief executives, trustees, service users and most importantly young people.

Contained within this manifesto are messages of change to government; not always o.nes which are easily achievable but ones which are necessary if we want to live in a society which truly supports and develops young people in our communities.

Download a full copy of the YMCA Manifesto 2015.

Accommodation

We believe more low-cost homes should be built for young people.

Family Work

We believe all two year-olds should be entitled to 15 hours free childcare each week.

Health & Wellbeing

We believe investment is needed in community sport initiatives to get young people involved in physical activity.

Mental Health

We believe mental health should be given the same priority as physical health in the NHS

Training & Education

We believe more should be done to encourage companies to hire young apprentices

Youth Democracy

We believe in giving 16 year-olds the vote and being able to stand in elections