YMCA Thames Gateway

YMCA is the largest and the oldest charity working with young people in the world. Across England there are 85 YMCAs.  Each one is a thriving and active community.  A community that is transforming lives.

YMCA Thames Gateway Group

With a history going back to 1906 in Romford, YMCA Thames Gateway Group is an independent charity committed to helping our local community at times of need. While we are proud of our Christian heritage and ethos, we support local people regardless of gender, race, ability or faith. We believe in fairness and opportunity for all. With a focus on our younger members of the community, we help them play an active and fulfilling role within their communities.  We call this a youth minded community approach.

We provide a wide array of community-based activities and services to help meet local needs wherever we are based, through a diverse range of programmes: supported & move-on accommodation; health & wellbeing initiatives and activities; and family &youth work; as well as delivering multiple community outreach programmes.

Many young people do not have, or have lost, the basic 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. We all need these to become the best version of ourselves. 

At YMCA Thames Gateway Group, we help provide these foundations for young people across Essex, Kent and London, supporting a fresh, strong start to those we help, and a better quality of life for all within our communities. 

Youth provision:

We run a range of free, trauma-informed youth clubs working with young people from the ages of 8-18 years, in West Kent and Woolwich. Our youth service in Woolwich also includes detached work across the community, school and a one-to-one mentoring programme, and the provision of a free safe space at our club evenings, where young people can gain a wide range of experiences, develop confidence, social skills, greater self-awareness and open up positive opportunities. 

Housing:

We provide safe accommodation for over 500 people, from the age of 16, in Essex, Kent and London, with move-on accommodation available for those that are further along their journey to independent living.  

Our supported accommodation provides a safe place to love for those in our community who are, or are facing homelessness. Many of the people we work with are not only dealing with the trauma of losing their home but in many cases having to cope with other trauma or complications within their life, including family breakdown, emotional and mental health difficulties, neglect, drug or alcohol abuse, school exclusion, some have recently become young parents or may be victims of crime or abuse. It is our privilege to help support and empower our residents during this difficult time, helping them to find their path, develop and achieve their full potential to take them on to the next part of their journey.

Education and learning:

We provide innovative learning and development programmes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities or those who are at risk of disengagement from main stream school or college. 

Children’s services:

We offer a number of childcare services including nurseries and pre-school facilities, after school clubs, holiday clubs, children’s parties and free parent and toddler coffee mornings.

Health and wellbeing:

Our inclusive fitness and wellbeing facilities enable us to provide much more than just physical exercise and fitness. Our residents have access to vital health and wellbeing facilities; we offer a free cancer rehabilitation programme; a subsidised stroke and brain injury rehabilitation class, and we host a wide range of community groups across our locations.

It is only with the continued generosity of our supporters that we are able to help the young people and families that access our services, enabling them play an active and fulfilling role within their communities.