The YMCA has been at the forefront of development in youth work and services for young people since its foundation in 1844. Since then it has developed into a large, professional organisation, which reaches out to over 1 million young people each year.
The YMCA was founded on Christian principles (one of which is servant leadership, following the example of Christ), aims and purposes. Each YMCA in the Region maintains a Christian ethos with objectives in their governing documents that reflect the Christian basis. The Region supports YMCAs to maintain and develop their unique Christian ethos. However, all YMCA facilities are accessible to any young person, regardless of faith, gender or ethnicity.
The Midlands YMCA Region currently covers the Government Regions of East Midlands and West Midlands but also includes Milton Keynes YMCA (South East Government Region).
There are currently 16 YMCAs within the region, all of which provide a diverse range of facilities to the surrounding community. Many of these facilities, such as housing, are widely known to be provided by the YMCA. However, there are some facilities that often get overlooked. For example:
- Vocational and non-vocational training such as Entry to Learning (E2L) qualifications
- Child care
- International work such as exchanges and partnerships
- Youth work Counselling
The Midlands Region in itself offers an extremely diverse range of facilities. There are opportunities in every district to become involved in various activities, such as Audio Production at Northfield YMCA in Birmingham, or Regeneration Apprenticeships in Derbyshire and Wolverhampton.
Read more about the Midlands Region.