Who we are

Nationally

YMCA is the largest and the oldest charity working with young people around the world. In England alone there are 114 YMCAs, each a separate charity, but all part of the national YMCA Federation. Each organisation represents a thriving and active community; a community that is transforming lives.

At YMCA we are proud of our Christian heritage and ethos. We are an inclusive Christian movement transforming communities, and providing a wide array of community-based activities and services to help meet local needs wherever we are based.

YMCA believes in fairness and opportunity. There are essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home; acceptance; guidance; friendship; physical and mental health; academic support; employment skills; and access to real opportunities. Many young people have never known these things; other people have lost one or more as they grew up, but we all need them. All of us. At YMCA, we provide these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the
community

Internationally

YMCA is part of a worldwide movement, with a presence in over 120 countries and reaching millions of people each year.

Through the global network of the YMCA, we stand alongside communities across the world to empower young people, promote social justice, and support health and wellbeing.

While each YMCA operates independently to meet the needs of its local community, we are united by a shared mission, values and commitment to helping young people belong, contribute and thrive on a global scale.

Locally

Despite being a member of the YMCA Federation for England and Wales, YMCA Northumberland is an independent, local charity, based in the centre of Ashington. While the current iteration of the organisation was established in 1998, our Ashington site has been home to YMCA in some form for over 140 years and is known to multiple generations of residents.

Our remit is to work with children and young people from across Northumberland, creating an environment in which they can belong, contribute and thrive. Much of our current work is aimed at young people aged 8 to 18 years, living in Ashington and the surrounding villages.