West Bromwich YMCA

West Bromwich & District at the heart of the community for over 120 years

Annual Report 2010

Heartbeat

Times are a changing… we see the signs all around us, and splashed across the media. The YMCA will need to respond to this wind of change, but our commitment to the people of West Bromwich & Sandwell, shared in these few pages, is as strong now as it has been at any time in our 122 year history.

In fact, in 2009/10 we supported more Sandwell residents than in any single year previously; and for many residents, we were the heart of their community.

Eric Moore Chairman

Steve Clay Chief Executive Officer

This year it’s been good to see the increase in young people’s involvement throughout the YMCA’s services, achieved through programmes such as the Future Jobs Fund, volunteering, apprenticeships, and the many forums, sub-committees and consultation events we’ve held - a pattern which we are keen to see continue.

Our Children’s Centre services have flourished during the year with the three Tividale sites now fully operational providing a wide variety of early years education, health and social support to vulnerable families, including over 600 children. The Greets Green Centre continues to run one of Sandwell’s most successful nurseries and we are further supporting the local authority through YMCA seconded management.

But, our future vision is not to be complacent; and perhaps even more importantly at a time of economic difficulty we are planning to redevelop the YMCA

on our Carters Green site as a catalyst for local regeneration. Read more on page 6 about how the £13M YMCA Western Gateway Project plans to transform West Bromwich communities for years to come.

Yet the future challenges should not be underestimated. We will only meet them through innovative thinking, collaborative working and creating new local and regional partnerships. It will also be a good time to reflect on and reaffirm the YMCA’s mission ethos and values.

In the year ahead we plan to build closer links with Wolverhampton YMCA to build on our mutual strengths and develop new services. We also anticipate forging new approaches together with Sandwell Council and other statutory partners.

Change is never easy, but often, when we are forced to think differently, much better solutions can be found.

Thank You

“The YMCA's vision is of an inclusive Christian Movement, transforming communities so that all young people truly belong, contribute and thrive.”

Vision Statement of the English YMCA Movement The West Bromwich & District YMCA is a Christian voluntary organisation which aims to serve the community – young people in particular – by providing a supportive environment to encourage the development and personal growth of each individual.

Mission Statement

CONTENTS Inclusive Christian Movement 4 Transforming Communities

6

Belong & Contribute

8

Thrive

10

4

Inclusive Christian Movement The YMCA has been working hard to excel in inclusive practice with more targeted services like the 50+ class and Y Bowls, as well as new initiatives like appointing a Diversity Champion, and a CSD worker.

What is CSD? In December the YMCA welcomed their first Christian Spiritual Development (CSD) Worker, Martin Hill. His role is to help give all people who are in contact with the YMCA opportunities to investigate their spirituality, and explore the deeper meaning to life should they wish to. He will help the YMCA explore what the Christian ethos means and how this should impact our work and the multi-faith community we serve.

Embracing Diversity During the year, our Supported Housing Projects accommodated 125 residents from a wide range of different nationalities and ethnically diverse community groups. This is broadly reflected across all of our service provision supporting the YMCA’s ethos of welcoming all faiths and none.

“I saw an Ad for Active Sandwell in an Agewell 5 publication.

I knew that two of my friends already went to the Y Bowls club, so I thought I would join them. I come to the YM CA on the bus from Wednesbury and I think it’s tremendous, beca use otherwise we’d be sat at home on our ow n looking at the same fou r walls! I’m 80 and I want to get out and ab out with people. Throu gh Y Bowls, I’ve been able to meet new peop le and I’ve made a lot of good friends.

I’ve also been learning to swim, to help keep me active!”

Bill Nock – Y Bowls clu b

The YMCA achieved a very high positive ‘move on’ to independent living in excess of 70%.

Young People from West Bromwich YMCA have also been very active within the movement. This includes volunteering and attending regional and national events, involvement in a Racism project with YCare International and residential trips. The Diversity Steering Group appointed a Diversity Champion to work for best practice in equality, diversity and inclusion across the whole Association.

ives

Changing L

to Su who moved working with en be ” d up ha ro tre arents G hildren’s Cen “First Time P e th ed The Tividale C in d jo ha e n sh child. She Thailand. Whe g her second in ct pe Tividale from ex as n and w e year old so h. she had a on limited Englis d esteem, an lf se w lo ry ve s, a weekly basi the group on nd te at to e th ed ag some of n were encour o rough with Su and her so n would be to so r Centre he at th re ncerns the Child n’s despite her co support from ed iv d ce re an he e new baby es there. S eparing for th younger babi pr g, tin ea y es like health staff with issu a bed. n from a cot to moving her so h has and her Englis s confidence u’ S th bo p, m interact uch g the grou s that she can Since attendin el fe e sh , ch tly and as su improved grea children. r parents and more with othe

Mental Wellbeing The YMCA launched new wellbeing initiatives over the year to help people who suffer from depression and low mood, as well as carrying on some highly successful projects. ‘Mindfulness’ for example, can help provide people with simple approaches to everyday life, to help them become more resilient to difficulties and challenges that they may face at one time or another.

t n e m e v o M n a i t s i r h C e Inclusiv

6

Transforming Communities

The future transformation of the Carters Green area of West Bromwich through this visionary project gets underway with the confirmation of the first phase of the redevelopment now set to take place over the next 12 months.

7 YMCA Western Gateway The YMCA Western Gateway Project is an ambitious regeneration project for the Carters Green YMCA base.

Extensive design & consultation work on the scheme resulted in the scoping of the redevelopment of the site across 3 phases.

The widespread consultations included working with 3 local secondary schools, community groups and associations like the Yemeni Community Association, the Guru Nanak Centre, the Sandwell Shadow Youth Cabinet, and 6 open evenings with local residents. Over 1,000 people were surveyed and gave useful feedback around the proposals.

Funding for the first phase is secure, with a contribution of £400,000 from the Surestart Capital Grant through Sandwell Early Years. Work is expected to commence on site in Summer 2010.

“Good” OFSTED Results for All Childcare Settings Both YMCA Day Nurseries and Out of School Clubs received “Good” Ofsted results, and record occupancy levels across the YMCA nursery settings. The Tividale Children’s Centre buildings were completed and all sites and services became fully operational, an important milestone in its development. The delivery of the “core offer” service reached 41% of the children in the neighbourhood area during the year.

“I knew a little bit abou t computers from going to a local library and from what family had spoken about. I had no access to computers at home and I wanted to learn how to email and search for genera information. I came to l the YMCA and did a ba sic computer course, and learnt how to use the internet and send emails.

I think that the interne t is a great advantage; I can’t believe how mu information is available! ch I have been looking for information on places that I want to visit and searching for informatio n on the areas that ho interest for me. There ld are good people to tea ch us at the YMCA and they always have plenty of time for us!”

Ivan Walker - 92

Health & Wellbeing This year, the YMCA provided over 40,000 physical activity and health related uses. These include physical activity on GP Referral, an average of 35 weekly programme classes, 50 station gym, healthy eating education groups, aromatherapy and mindfulness programmes.

s e i t i n u m m o C g n i m r o f s n Tra

8

Belong and Contribute At the YMCA we encourage young people to get involved in all the activities that happen at the centre.

Youth Involvement The involvement of young people in the Association’s activities and decision making has increased during the year. 49 residents achieved the City & Guilds accredited Learning Power Awards. Over 120 young people took part in Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) including, cooking, basketball, dance, Ten Sing, food hygiene, arts, staff recruitment and consultations to name but a few. Residents also played football, regionally against other YMCA teams and also against a staff 5-a-side team.

“I moved into the YMCA in Octobe r 2009 and immediately decided to get stuck into everything the YMC A could offer me. First of all I joined the dance group and with in 4 weeks was performing on stag e at the Regional Celebration even t. I was part of the Steering Group for the Foyer Health and Wellbein g Project – this included organisin g a showcase event and going on a weekend residential at Lakesid e in Cumbria. I have also been invo lved with the YMCA Regional Youth Governance Group which gave me an opportunity to build my confidence, and get involved in youth issues that affect a wide r group of people.”

Jack Ahearn – Resident

Buddies Scheme Five young people were trained as ‘Buddies’, which involved befriending new residents and helping them settle in. Buddies encourage new residents to access all the facilities and get involved in the various activities around the YMCA.

What’s in it for the Host ?

YMCA Open Door

providing support ed lodgings offers all sorts of rewards for the people that get involved • It is immensely re : warding to see a young person de the most of the o velop into a resp pportunities you onsible adult wh have opened up o is making for them.

• It is a chance for you to use your resources and sk for everyone. ills to make your community a bet ter place • You will receive a fee from the Y MCA. The youn towards food an g person will also d other househo make a contribu ld bills. You shou tion ld receive over £ 100 per week.

How do you get involved

?

If you are interested in supportin person or g a young would like to find out YMCA Ope more abou n Door plea t se contact for an infor Nathan mal chat:

The YMCA Open Door Project has established itself over the last year as a scheme that is meeting a specific need for 16 and 17 year olds in Sandwell that require supported housing. 22 households have been trained and assessed to provide support for a young lodger with approximately 15 available at any one time.

Call

0121 524

1950

Email nath an.adam

Visit

s@wbymca.o

YMCA at 38 Carters Green, West Brom wich, B70 9LG.

rg.uk

www.wby mca

.org.uk

tyle of unhealthy lifes oor, I lived an D n pe d as O A an C in g into YM involved “Before movin hat I could be w d ite lim fa is a host mily smoking. Th Moving in with e. lif drinking and y m ith w h ed me to do n’t doing muc They encourag e. m a result I was ed lp he has ings.

A Open Door ng me new th through YMC et and teachi dg bu e . m ed g in at e motiv life, help wiser and mor more with my el fe d de an ge ke YMCA La si ying at colle was a trip to A I am now stud C M Y e th so ith . I al of my time w r done before The highlight things I’d neve do to people ce g an un ch yo e the was for the ch hi w which gave m Q B B ings ace, but pported lodg t a very nice pl n’ as w A C enjoyed the su M ink the Y s. I used to th ” and their host has changed! n – Resident , my opinio in g in Rob Bushell ov m e sinc

9

West Brom

wich & Distr

od supported l gings

Do you have a spare room?

If you are inter ested in accommodatin g young people and giving them the chance they deserve then please turn over…

ict

The YMCA is a Ch ristian charity com particularly at time mitted to helping y s of need, regardle oung people, Company No ss of gender, race, 4116412 Charity ability or faith.

No 1086320

West Bromwi

The project has been able to place 19 young people in the first year.

Some placements run for just a few days or weeks before a young person is able to return to their family. Others are more long term and have been going for up to twelve months as the young person learns the skills and gains the support they need in order to move on to their own accommodation.

e t u b i r t n o C d n a g n o l e B

ch & District

10

Thrive During the year the YMCA has enabled young people and the community to flourish in body, mind and spirit.

Impact The YMCA’s commitment to young people thriving has been reflected in the increase of young staff and volunteers. This year there have been seven apprentices in a variety of departments including HR, Marketing, and Nursery, all working towards gaining qualifications.

Two young “Time for God” volunteers, Emilia from Sweden and Dong Woo from South Korea, worked in all the departments, and gained valuable life experience from the variety of different people and situations they encountered.

Three young residents have also been employed in Housing and IT under the Future Jobs Fund scheme. They have had the chance to experience full time work within their given career paths, and have provided excellent support for the Association and the wider movement. Richard Gaffney sits on West Bromwich Youth Council and has set-up a resident’s breakfast club amongst other things and Gareth Williams provided comparing skills and stand-up comedy at the 2010 YMCA National Assembly in Nottingham.

Corridors Project The Corridors Project was set up to engage residents in a music related assignment where they could express their feelings and views through singing, poetry and rap. The residents prepared, wrote and recorded 4 songs and two spoken word tracks with a focus on their life experiences and time at the YMCA. Resident Charlotte Campbell said, “Not a lot of people get the chance to do music. I had always wanted to get into it myself, and now that I have, it’s great!”

11

Support the YMCA The West Bromwich & District YMCA relies on the support of local people, companies, churches and organisations to enable our vital work with young people to continue and grow.

There are many ways you can help us and become part of the ongoing success story.

Donate • Pray • Volunteer

“I moved into the YMCA in August 2009. Since being here I have worked toward completing my Level 3 qualification in Hairdressing. I have also been instrumental towards setting up the wellbeing group whic h included contacting and visiting other local agencies to promote a Residents Wellbeing event. I attended Men tal Health sessions to have a better understanding of people.

I was also involved in setting up a dance group and perf ormed at The Y Theatre in Leicester for the YMCA Midland s Region Celebration.

I have now successfully moved out of the YMCA into my own independent accommodation ”

Hannah Davy – Resident

Contact Stephen Bavington for more information by emailing stephen.bavington@wbymca.org.uk or call him on 0121 524 1950.

Financial Statement Financial statements have been produced for the year 2009 – 2010 in accordance with the requirements of Companies House and the Charity Commission. Copies of the accounts are available on request.

“In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs as at 31 March 2010 and of its surplus for the year then ended. They have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Housing Act 1996 and the Accounting Requirements for Registered Social Landlords General Determination 2006. In our opinion the information given in the Report of the Board for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.”

Mazars LLP, Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors.

July 2010

Thrive

“The YMCA's vision is of an inclusive Christian Movement, transforming communities so that all young people truly belong, contribute and thrive.”

Vision Statement of the English YMCA Movement With grateful thanks to all our supporters including: Staff and Volunteers BIG Lottery Fund Black Country LSC Churches & Individual Donors Church of England (Lichfield Diocese) Greets Green (NDC) Partnership Halesowen College Local Charitable Trusts NLDC Fund Sandwell College Sandwell Mental Health Foundation Trust Sandwell MBC

Sandwell Primary Care Trust Surestart Children’s Centres Surestart Capital Grant UK Online Urban Living West Bromwich Building Society West Midland Councils WM Partnership YMCA Midlands Region YMCA England YMCA Trust Fund

The West Bromwich & District YMCA would like to thank the following for their contribution to the governance of the Association: President:

Mr E Moore

Vice Presidents:

Lord Tarsem King, of West Bromwich Mr A D Owen, OBE Mr S Johnston, OBE

Board Members:

Mrs H Bloxham (Vice Chair) Mr M Fussell Mr R Grainger Mr T Jobson (Emeritus Status) Mrs B Moore Mr E Moore (Chair) Mr T Palfreyman

Ms L Smith Mr E Stott MBE (Emeritus Status) Ms C Taylor Mr P Walker Mr D Wilkins Mrs W Williamson

Company Secretary: Mr S Clay

T 0121 524 1950 E info@wbymca.org.uk W www.wbymca.org.uk Registered Office:

38, Carters Green, West Bromwich, B70 9LG A company limited by Guarantee, registered No. 4116412 Charity Number. 1086320 Registered with the Social Housing Regulator. Registration No L4550

This publication can be supplied in large print or on audiotape on request