YMCA Cheltenham
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YMCA Cheltenham’s Unique History

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Serving Our Community for 170 Years

Founded on 23rd November 1855, just 11 years after the first ever YMCA in London, YMCA Cheltenham emerged from a passionate commitment to initiate positive change. Our journey began with a pivotal gathering at the Old Town Hall on Regent Street, an occasion so momentous that it was documented in an 8,000-word article by the Cheltenham Examiner. Since then, we have woven ourselves into the very fabric of the town’s history and expanded our services across Gloucestershire. Throughout generations, we have adapted to the evolving needs of the community while steadfastly adhering to our mission: empowering individuals, fortifying communities, and transforming lives. 

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Transformative Community Impact

Today, YMCA Cheltenham serves the diverse and expanding community through a range of essential services, including housing, wellness, sports, and family support. Every night we provide over 200 nights of safe, warm and welcoming accommodation to those facing homelessness or in need of support or emergency shelter.

In 2023/24 more than 7,300 individuals benefited from our services and we proudly offered 70,021 nights of secure and stable accommodation to those at risk of homelessness throughout Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Our PATHWAY HOME initiative, launched in 2022, has revolutionised our approach to homelessness, with an impressive 82% of residents achieving a positive move on—a significant stride in preventing repeat homelessness.

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Creating Safe Spaces

In 2023/24

The YMCA Cheltenham Sports Centre in West Cheltenham welcomed 33,500 visits, empowering individuals of all ages to build confidence, enhance fitness, and foster friendships.

From youth basketball to walking football for older adults and popular home school sessions, we offer opportunities for everyone to connect and thrive. Our commitment to eliminating obstacles to well-being is unwavering.

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Supporting Families and Young Children

In 2023/24

YMCA Feed Cheltenham supported families struggling with food insecurity by distributing over £15,300 worth of food vouchers to those in need.

Our Pre School, which now includes a new baby unit, provided over 1,140 hours of early education, ensuring every child received the best possible start, irrespective of their background.

Our family support services reached 324 families, empowering parents and caregivers in their vital roles.

The YMCA Cheltenham Child Contact Centre supported 105 families to connect with each other through challenging times.

In December 2024, 58 children woke up in YMCA accommodation, each with a gift from the YMCA Cheltenham team.

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YMCA through the years

YMCA is the largest and oldest youth charity in the world. On 6 June 1844, 22 year-old draper George Williams joined 11 friends to organise the first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), a refuge of Bible study and prayer for young men seeking escape from the hazards of life on the streets of London.

Today, YMCA has grown to serve more than 65 million people in 120 countries regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

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1844

YMCA was founded by Sir George Williams – a worker in the drapery trade in London. Concerned about the welfare of his fellow workers, he started a prayer and bible study group. This soon grew and attracted men from across London.

1844
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1844-1849

YMCA begins to address other concerns of young men working in the cities. Public lectures and education classes are developed. Reading rooms and refreshment areas help young men to adjust to urban life.

1844-1849
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1845

YMCA spreads outside London and branches are set up in Manchester and Leeds.

1845
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1855

The YMCA in Cheltenham was formed by prominent leaders of local churches in the town.

 

Internationally, the idea of creating a global organisation was pioneered by Henry Dunant, who would later go on to found the International Committee of the Red Cross. He convinced YMCA Paris to organise the first YMCA ‘World Conference’. The conference produced the ‘Paris Basis’ – an agreement about the aims of YMCA which is still in place today. It also saw the launch of an international committee and headquarters, which would become the World Alliance of YMCAs

1855
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1891

The American YMCA invented basketball and then

went on to invent volleyball in 1895.

1891
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1914

During the First World War, YMCA provided a range of support to troops. YMCA huts provided soldiers with food and a place to rest both on the frontline and at home in military camps and railway stations.

 

YMCA embarked on a massive education programme for soldiers, which eventually became the Army Education Corps.

 

The red poppy was introduced by an American YMCA worker and went on to become a worldwide symbol of remembrance for those lost in combat.

1914
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1939

During the Second World War, YMCA introduced mobile canteens, bringing refreshments to the troops. It also supported displaced people, refugees and prisoners of war.

1939
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1984

Y Care International, the overseas development agency of YMCA in the UK and Ireland is established. Today it supports projects for vulnerable young people in over 20 countries worldwide.

1984
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Today

YMCA has over 58 million members in 119 countries worldwide. Since it was established, YMCA has adapted to the changing needs of young people.

Today YMCA works with men and women regardless of age, race, religion or culture. In every corner of the world, YMCA is helping people to build a future and improve their lives.

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Continuing the Legacy

 

As we approach our 170th anniversary, we are immensely proud to uphold this legacy, ensuring YMCA Cheltenham remains a place where no one is left behind. 

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Helping People Belong, Contribute and Thrive

DRIVEN BY THE GOOD WE DO

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We believe every person should be able to develop their full potential in body, mind and spirit

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