HOSTEL
GYM YOUTH CHILDREN’S CENTRE
A B C NURSERY COMMUNITY CENTRE
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HOSTEL
GYM YOUTH CHILDREN’S CENTRE
A B C NURSERY
COMMUNIT CENTRE
CONTENTS
OMMUNITY CENTRE
MISSION STATEMENT
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE & CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
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WHAT WE DO & WHO WE’VE HELPED
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FAMILY SUPPORT
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JORDAN’S STORY
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MICK’S STORY
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DAVID’S STORY
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Y TEAM YOUTH GROUP
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SARAH’S STORY
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COMMUNITY GARDEN
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TYLER’S STORY
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LEE & LINDSEY’S STORY
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JAMIE’S STORY
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CHAPLAINCY TEAM
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LOOKING FOWARD & OUR FINANCES
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OUR MISSION YMCA Watford exists to help people belong, contribute and thrive in their communities. We deliver a range of programmes and services that tackle the issues facing local people and ensure that there are opportunities for young people throughout our work, from apprentices to work experience and childcare to youthwork. All of our activities demonstrate our Youth Minded Community Approach. We are a Christian Charity working with all ages, faiths and backgrounds, as part of a global network of 14,000 YMCAs. YMCA Watford has served the community for more than 125 years and reaches 1000’s of people each year, seeking to help them develop in body, mind and spirit.
GUY FOXELL CHIEF EXECUTIVE
ANDREW NEWELL CHAIRMAN
WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2012-13 This year our Annual Report celebrates the ways in which the YMCA has been helping people belong, contribute and thrive in their communities. The last year has been one of change and progress. The Board structure was overhauled by interim Chair, Daphne Pullen OBE, allowing the Trustees to set a clear direction for the charity and monitor progress. In turn this has helped our staff to focus on building a stronger, more responsive organisation, delivering activities to more people than ever before. In particular, there have been exciting new youthwork and community sports initiatives that have significantly increased the depth and breadth of our work, which you can read more about in our case studies. Andrew Newell has now filled the role of Chairman and draws on a wealth of charity and finance experience to ensure that the YMCA is well-placed to meet the challenges ahead.
for the community, people’s needs are getting greater and there are still many areas where we need your help to fill the G A P - Give, Act and Pray. Each section of this report will explain how you can help us continue our life-changing work in the community. Our successes this year could not have been achieved without the valuable joint work that we undertake with more than 150 churches and partners. However, our greatest asset remains our dedicated and skilled employees. In our recent survey, staff told us that working for the YMCA is “more than just a job” and we see them going the extra mile on a regular basis. To all those partners, volunteers and staff who join with us in serving the local community…thank you! Every blessing
GUY FOXELL CHIEF EXECUTIVE
ANDREW NEWELL CHAIRMAN
Despite the tough economic climate, YMCA Watford has remained in a strong and stable position, creating community building blocks that help local people. Although these activities provide a wealth of opportunities
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MOST
WHAT WE DO YMCA Watford delivers activities under three key strategic priority areas to meet local needs:
INCREASE THE POSITIVE IMPACT WORK TO COMBAT ON FAMILIES AND HOMELESSNESS IN YOUNG PEOPLE IN OUR AREA THE COMMUNITY
IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST
HOUSING: we run a 150-bed Hostel for local homeless people, supporting them into stable, secure accommodation within 2 years YOUTH: we work with thousands of young people through evening youth clubs, day-time programmes and targeted work with our young unemployed population everywhere from Watford to Luton CHILDREN & FAMILIES: our 94-place Nursery and 2 Children’s Centres help almost 2000 families to prepare their children for school and give them a great start to life HEALTH & WELLBEING: our three Health Clubs give around 4,000 local people access to affordable fitness, as well as delivering sports activities to thousands of people in the community COMMUNITY CENTRE: the Orbital Community Centre caters for more than 40 community groups each week, working to support and enrich local people APPRENTICES: we usually have around 10 apprentices in the charity at any one time, gaining training and vital skills in one or more of our varied departments
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WHO WE’VE HELPED THIS YEAR WE HAVE...
HELPED 285 PEOPLE THRIVE TO GAIN EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT OR TRAINING ENGAGED WITH 12,688 YOUNG PEOPLE
HOSTED 247,913 AFFORDABLE EXERCISE SESSIONS ACROSS HERTS
RECEIVED 17,914 VISITS TO OUR CHILDREN’S CENTRES PROVIDED 1,000 HOURS OF FREE NURSERY CARE TO VULNERABLE FAMILIES, WORTH £5,595 OFFERED 84,344 NIGHTS’ SLEEP IN OUR HOSTEL SUPPORTED 92 PEOPLE TO MOVE INTO STABLE AND SECURE ACCOMMODATION DELIVERED 8,928 HOURS OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING INVESTED £5.3 MILLION TO HELP PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY BELONG, CONTRIBUTE AND THRIVE 7
FAMILY SUPPORT Charters Nursery is a secure, safe and caring environment where working parents feel happy to leave their children. As you are about to read, some of the families we support come from very different circumstances. This year, through the launch of our Community Contribution Scheme we have proudly been able to support six families – nine children – with totally free childcare. On New Year’s Eve, whilst 7 months pregnant, Lily’s mum Gemma suffered a brain aneurysm and small stroke. At very short notice we were able to provide consistent childcare arrangements for 2-yearold Lily for two days a week.
FILL THE G IVE £55 will provide one child with a day’s childcare through our Community Contribution Scheme
A CT Volunteer your time to support our nursery staff in providing a secure, safe and caring environment
P RAY For the physical and emotional development of each and every child to enable them to reach their potential
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After major brain surgery and a long stay in hospital, Gemma slowly started to make an incredible recovery and Lily’s baby brother was born safe and well. “Without this help I do not know what I would have done and how I would have coped” – Gemma The Tarfa family came to Charters via the YMCA’s Beechfield Children’s Centre. With 2-year-old twins, a 9-month-old baby and a partner so ill with chronic Crohn’s disease he was unable to work, Edna was almost at breaking point. The YMCA was able to offer all three children a nursery place each Monday and Friday. Having the children at nursery for two days a week has made a real difference to the whole family. Allowing Mum to return to work part-time and Dad to rest and recover in peace and quiet. “We will forever be grateful to Jo and everyone at Charters Nursery who helped us through this trying time, God bless you all” – Edna
JORDAN’S STORY but on a personal level too. As a frontline member of staff I find myself interacting with people of various age groups; some of the older visitors rely on my assistance with setting up their activities, which has enabled me to develop strong working relationships with them. I have also been given the opportunity to speak at public events, which I really enjoy.
“This year I embarked on an apprenticeship with YMCA Watford. I’m based at the Orbital Community Centre and am currently completing a level 2 NVQ in Business and Administration. I was attracted to the role because I saw it as an opportunity to build upon my existing customer service skills whilst gaining invaluable administrative experience. I was interested in YMCA Watford as I liked the idea of working for an organisation that is responsible for improving and changing people’s lives within the local community. What I didn’t anticipate was how big an effect this opportunity would have on my own life. In a short space of time I have gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience. I’ve seen an enormous improvement in my confidence, benefitting me not only at work
I thoroughly enjoy working for YMCA Watford and feel proud to be part of this fantastic organisation. The YMCA has provided me with many opportunities that have taken me out of my comfort zone whilst they’ve also provided me with ongoing support. I have no doubt that everything I’ve learnt from this experience will enable me to thrive in my future career.
FILL THE G IVE £1,500 will enable one of our apprentices to gain a recognised qualification
A CT Mentor and support one of our apprentices with their career planning and development.
P RAY For businesses in Watford to start offering more apprenticeship opportunities for young people
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MICK’S STORY helped me secure my own bedsit in Bushey. When I moved into my flat all I had were sheets at the windows and a mattress and microwave donated by the YMCA, but slowly I have been able to make it into a real home. I felt a real debt of gratitude to the YMCA for all their help, so I started volunteering 3 mornings a week serving tea and coffee to the other residents, which I continued to do for 3 years.
“In 2006 I became homeless through no fault of my own when my sister stopped paying our rent, despite me giving her money each week. As a single homeless man my options were limited and I was forced to spend 10 weeks sleeping in night shelters and walking the streets every day between 8am and 7pm whatever the weather. Whilst at my lowest point I was offered a room at the YMCA, where the staff spent 20 months helping me to get my life back on track and
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In 2012 I was successful in gaining a place on the YMCA Apprenticeship Programme where I was recruited to work in the Housing Department. I now help by supporting both current and ex-residents, working with the Chaplain and yes, still serving tea and coffee on occasions! As part of my apprenticeship I am studying for an NVQ in Housing so I can contribute more to the homeless community. Life has not been all plain sailing since 2006. There have been a lot of obstacles to overcome, but with the help and support of the YMCA my future is bright – thank you”
DAVID’S STORY David has been homeless since Christmas 2009. He was asked to leave the family home because of conflicts with his father. This caused the onset of depression and anxiety, meaning he had to give up his studies at University and has struggled to believe that he can achieve anything in life. This also left him without a home. Since moving into the YMCA last year, David has had numerous counselling sessions and his confidence has grown. He has pursued his keen sporting interest by regularly attending our Gym and has carried out numerous runs and cycle rides for local charities, as part of his contribution to the community. This year David managed to qualify for a British Triathlon Elite race in Israel and was supported by the YMCA with a personal training routine and funds to enable him to compete in this event. The race format comprises a 1500 metre swim, 40 kilometre cycle race and 10 kilometre run making the achievement of finishing in 8th place all the more impressive! Although struggling with his depression and a difficult past, David has put a lot of effort into his training and moving forward towards greater independence. Many YMCA staff have worked
alongside David to help him thrive in our Hostel, actively engage with his support plan, budget effectively and grow in confidence. A short while ago, David moved out of the YMCA, lives locally and can often be seen cycling the streets of Watford.
FILL THE G IVE £7.70 will pay for an hour’s work experience for one of our residents
A CT Volunteer your time to help befriend and mentor one of our residents
P RAY For our housing staff as they seek to be firm but fair in helping Watford’s homeless people to help find stable and secure accommodation
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Y TEAM YOUTH GROUP
At the end of 2012 we extended our youth work to establish new youth clubs and sessions in local communities, supporting six youth work sessions across Watford each week, as well as additional events and holiday activities.
We have helped give young people a genuine voice with decision makers by involving them in question and answer evenings with local Councillors, the police and our Chief Executive to raise issues that concern them.
Y Team meets every week to run a social action project which allows young people to address issues in their local community. In the last year the young people delivered food parcels to vulnerable members of the community, organised litter picks in local parks, designed Christmas gifts for the local children’s ward at the hospital, volunteered at local community events and are currently raising funds for local charities.
“something fun always going on, lots of different activities” - Jake
“it’s local for me, somewhere to come every week” - Kate
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In the last year Y Team has successfully helped four young people gain valuable volunteering experience in the community, assisted one young person to return to education, supported two young people in working towards youth work awards, signposted young people to our Chaplaincy service for support with issues of bereavement and broken relationships, and involved 6 young people in the interview and recruitment process of new youth workers to the team.
SARAH’S STORY own personal experiences and her journey through counselling. This experience has built Sarah’s confidence and self-esteem, giving her a voice to express her views and empowering her to share her story in the hope that more young people will have the confidence to access counselling. Sarah continues to attend the group and is looking forward to starting sixth form; a transition that YMCA youth workers will support her through.
FILL THE 16-year-old Sarah’s journey began with YMCA Watford through a partnership with Signpost, which provided a weekly support group for local young people who are awaiting or receiving counselling. Sarah felt she belonged to the group straight away and within a few months she had taken a lead role in a group project where young people planned their own events and created a film to promote the services of Signpost within schools. Sarah moved out of her comfort zone by speaking on camera in a one-to-one interview where she explained openly about her
G IVE £250 will support a young person attending one of our youth sessions every week for a year
A CT Volunteer at one of our youth work sessions through committing to 3 hours a week.
P RAY That the YMCA can provide hope in the situations that young people face and support them in experiencing life in all its fullness.
“we get to change the reputation of young people in the community” - AJ
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COMMUNITY GARDEN The YMCA’s Orbital Community Centre has a focus on those under thirty years of age. When the communal outside area needed overhauling to make a pleasant community space, we were keen that young people had the opportunity to contribute positively to the project and interact with other age-groups. In partnership with landscaping charity Groundworks, five young men designed a pathway, cut and laid paving stones, made raised timber flowerbeds from scratch, stained the fencing and sowed grass and flower seeds. On the day of the Community Garden launch dozens of shrubs donated by Watford Borough Council were planted by the young people, their parents and volunteers from community groups who use the YMCA Centre, including the ladies from the 50+ Keep Fit class who donated a tree (and plenty of helpful planting advice!). The group achieved so much during the 5-week project and worked through the rain to get it done on time. Some of the young people were not prepared to go home until they had finished their tasks each day, showing their determination to succeed. As part of the project, all the young people gained a CSCS qualification, giving them the ability to operate safely
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on construction sites. 100% are now in local employment, ranging from construction companies to a logistics firm and, in one case, following on from the experience of planting the tree in the YMCA garden, a local tree surgery contractor!
FILL THE G IVE Donate educational and pre-school books that can be used by our community groups
A CT Volunteer your time to help preserve and develop our garden
P RAY That the 40 varied community groups with different backgrounds and ages will learn to work better together, starting under the YMCA roof.
TYLER’S STORY made new friends, have grown in confidence and feel more motivated to improve my future”. The course provides participants with a nationally recognised qualification, interview practice, CV writing and work experience as well as one-to-one coaching sessions to help them make the transition into employment or education. Tyler started a part-time job immediately after the Y’z Up course finished and can now live more independently without relying on benefits. Before joining the Y’z Up course 18-year-old Tyler had been sentenced to 7 years in a Young Offenders Institute for Armed Robbery. Y’z Up is a six week course that helps young people belong to a group through team building and conflict resolution skills before showing them ways they can contribute to the community, through a range of local projects that help others. “I’m not proud of what I done and I do not mix with the same people any longer. As part of the Y’z Up course, I attended an away day where I took part in an obstacle course and learnt how to push through my comfort zone. I
“I have enjoyed being on Y’z Up better than any course I have done. This is the first course I have stuck to and got a certification. I would recommend any young person struggling with life to sign up.”
FILL THE G IVE £964 will cover the cost of the course for one participant
A CT Volunteer to support a young person for the duration of the course
P RAY That more young people will seize the opportunities around them to become more engaged citizens
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LEE & LINDSEY’S STORY & Wellbeing team. Without Sam and the programme, I honestly, hand on my heart do not think that Lee would be where he is today.
“Only 8 months ago we were two healthy, fit and young(ish) people with a young family busy planning a new life abroad. We had rented out our house and packed up our things – looking forward to having a future with the children and raising them in Canada. Then, one night before Christmas, all our plans, our new life and our dreams were wiped out in one second – my husband had a Stroke. We were put on waiting lists for NHS rehabilitation and physiotherapy and told that it could take 16-18 weeks. The wait was so long that we couldn’t help but despair. However, the Stroke Association put us in touch with the YMCA, which was running a stroke rehabilitation programme called GRASP close to where we live. This is where we met Sam, a member of the YMCA Health
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My husband now walks un-aided: through strength and balance training, he was taught how to get back up again if he fell. He learnt how to fall and not hurt himself and he can grasp things and drop them again, and although small at the moment, he can move his thumb and first finger up and down. To have people like Sam at the YMCA understand this when even the closest of friends don’t, means so very much to us both and has helped us more than I can say. Lee comes away from his sessions feeling like he can achieve more and is positive about his future. We feel very, very lucky that we came into contact with Sam, his team at the YMCA and the GRASP programme because I can honestly say for us, that they have been exactly what we needed.”
JAMIE’S STORY and pedals away on a bike whilst air drumming on the handlebars. Jamie does all of this with a massive grin on his face. Jamie’s mum says “these sports sessions are the first thing that Jamie has been enthusiastic about for a long-time. He would normally be sat at home on his computer for hours on end using the blind social networking sites and smoking.” Jamie is a typical 19 year old, he loves Heavy Metal music, he smokes, he is an avid user of social networking sites and he slightly over-weight. Jamie is also blind and has cerebral palsy, which limits the use of his left side. Since leaving full time education, Jamie has struggled to find a sport facility that can cater to his needs, preventing him from taking part in any regular physical exercise in over 6 years. Jamie and his mum then discovered the new YMCA Disability Multi-Sports sessions. Each week, participants can trial a new sport like trampolining, adapted ball sports, archery and dancing. Disability Sports Sessions have very high coach-to-participant ratios to cater for the special needs of the children and young adults. At the end of the sports session in the hall we take Jamie to the gym, where he plugs in his MP3 player
Jamie’s sister, Stacey, has also become involved in the Disability Sports Sessions by giving up her free time to work as a volunteer coach, as she really wants to work in this field in the future. We are looking to place Stacey on some coach development courses in the new year.
FILL THE G IVE £520 will provide a Stroke survivor with a rehabilitation program for one year.
A CT Tell people about our health & wellbeing sessions, specially tailored for those who experience a physical or learning disability.
P RAY For the families and carers of those with a long-term illness or disability.
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A WORD FROM THE
CHAPLAINCY TEAM
Here at the YMCA, we recognise that an important part of a person’s wellbeing revolves around their emotional and spiritual health. The Chaplaincy team is here to provide support to staff, volunteers, residents and service users of YMCA Watford. We do this mainly by providing a confidential listening ear and running events such as Quiet Space and Staff Prayers. Over the last year we have helped provide opportunities for residents to help at a Youth Camp on the Isle of Wight as well as trips to Museums and to see the London Christmas Lights. We have helped support a number of residents with moving out into their own accommodation. We work closely with the Youth Department giving support in a number of ways, from mock interviews to emergency food parcels. Part of being the ‘listening ear’ for the organisation is to seek God’s will and purpose for our work. The YMCA has benefitted from countless hours of prayer from local people and we meet regularly to pray with Church Leaders and others. We are excited about the future work that God has in store for us and seek to build deeper relationships with Churches and organisations across the area.
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We are looking to expand our team of volunteer Chaplains in new and innovative work. We are excited about the possible future opportunities in our Health Clubs. We are grateful for the prayerful and practical support we receive from so many places and people. We are always interested to hear about new opportunities to work with others, so please do get in contact with us.
FILL THE G IVE A donation of any size will allow us to offer more away days, retreats and acts of kindness to our service users
A CT By volunteering to be a YMCA chaplain
P RAY That the chaplaincy team will be an effective listening ear for the YMCA family
LOOKING FORWARD
A large part of the year has been spent preparing for our merger with YMCA Central Herts in order to do more and better work with local people. In 2013-14 the newly formed YMCA West & Central Herts will run activities in 8 of the 10 districts in Hertfordshire • • • • • • •
Youth clubs & activities engaging more than 3,000 young people across the county 6 Children’s Centres and 3 Nurseries, working with more than 5,000 families Two hostels offering more than 275 rooms for homeless individuals Four community centres acting as hubs for thousands of local people 5 Charity shops raising money & giving volunteering opportunities 3 Health & Wellbeing clubs with a membership of almost 5,000 people Community sports activities engaging more than 12,000 people
We look forward to working with you to create more opportunities across West & Central Hertfordshire for people to belong, contribute and thrive in their communities.
OUR FINANCES
The YMCA is committed to using its resources in such a way that maximises the positive impact on the community with the funds available. All our spending is scrutinised by the Trustees at Board level, as well as at Resources and Audit Committees. WHERE WE INVESTED IN THE COMMUNITY
£5,252,429
HOUSING 51%
NURSERY 15%
YOUTH WORK 4%
COMMUNITY CENTRE
HEALTH & FITNESS 21%
OTHER 1%
CHILDREN’S CENTRES 6%
3%
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HOSTEL
GYM YOUTH
A B C
CHILDREN’S CENTRE
NURSERY COMMUNITY CENTRE
YMCA Watford Charter House Charter Place Hertfordshire WD17 2RT
www.ymcawatford.org 01923 353 600
Watford & District YMCA Reg. Office: Charter House, Charter Place, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 2RT Reg. Charity: 1102301 Reg. Company: 4430743 Reg. Housing Provider: H4418 VAT number: 833 0259 50