YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk’s Umbrella Project provides vital housing and support for vulnerable single-parent families in Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Beyond just housing, the project offers a dedicated Family Engagement Worker who delivers a variety of support, activities, and opportunities to help families build a brighter future. Tailored to each family’s strengths and aspirations, the Umbrella Project helps young parents improve their social mobility, parenting skills, and physical, emotional, and mental health. It also reduces loneliness, fosters independence, and equips families to successfully pass the local authority assessment for council accommodation. Support includes counselling, parenting workshops, cooking and financial literacy sessions, life skills training, and the creation of peer support networks. The goal is to empower families with the tools they need to sustain independent living and avoid falling back into the system. 💛 Read Martine's experience here:

Sleep Easy 2025 - Sleep rough, so others don’t have to… Learn more about our Sleep Easy campaign & how you can get involved! 👇🏻 Register online at https://lnkd.in/ewQTXDEs

The E-Learning Service (ELS) is a unique online-based education service that primarily supports students who are unable to access mainstream education due to medical needs and mental health challenges, special educational needs and disabilities, or other barriers students face accessing in person, mainstream education.  Last year, ELS supported 312 students last year whom otherwise would have struggled to progress academically and saw many young people gain vital GCSE and A-Level qualifications to help them succeed in their future. To find out more about this incredible service, visit:

How you can help support YMCA Norfolk At YMCA Norfolk, we’re passionate about transforming lives and building stronger communities. But we can’t do it alone. The support we receive from local businesses is essential to ensuring we can continue providing housing, mental health support, and youth programs for those who need it most. Your company can get involved in so many ways—from taking part in our Sleep Easy event, running marathons, or climbing mountains, to hosting cake sales and organizing fundraising balls. These activities not only help raise essential funds but also foster team spirit and community engagement within your organization. By partnering with YMCA Norfolk, you’ll be helping to create a future where every young person can belong, contribute, and thrive. Your support will show customers and employees alike that your company is committed to making a positive difference in the local community. We truly value the support of local businesses, and every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a significant impact. We invite your company to join us in changing lives and making Norfolk a better place for everyone. To find out more about how to get involved, contact us on info@ymcanorfolk.org

Sustainable Shopping with YMCA Norfolk! In today’s world, where sustainability and conscious consumerism are becoming increasingly important, charity shops are more than just a bargain hunter’s paradise—they’re a powerful force for positive change. Shopping in charity shops benefits both the economy and the environment, making it a win-win for shoppers who want to make a difference. Here’s why: 1. Reducing Waste and Protecting the Planet. Fast fashion has contributed to a staggering amount of textile waste, with millions of items of clothing ending up in landfills every year. By shopping in charity shops, you’re actively helping to reduce this waste. Charity shops extend the lifecycle of clothing, accessories, and household goods by giving them a second (or even third) life. 2. Supporting Local Economies. When you shop at a charity shop, you’re directly supporting your local community. The proceeds from these stores go toward funding essential services and programs provided by charities, such as youth outreach programs, homeless support services, and other social initiatives. By spending your money in charity shops, you’re helping local economies thrive and giving back in ways that make a real difference. Every time you shop in one of YMCA Norfolk's 8 charity shops, you are directly helping to support the incredible work they do. 3. Affordable, Unique, and High-Quality Finds. Charity shops offer a treasure trove of unique items that you won’t find on the high street. From vintage gems to high-quality designer pieces, these stores are full of affordable options that allow you to express your individuality without breaking the bank.  4. Promoting a Circular Economy. The circular economy is all about reusing, recycling, and repurposing goods, and charity shops are a key player in this movement. By purchasing second-hand items, you’re contributing to a system that keeps products in use for as long as possible.  When you donate or shop at a charity store, you’re actively participating in this cycle of sustainability. The more we embrace a circular economy, the less we rely on a “take, make, waste” model, which is both unsustainable and damaging to the planet. 5. Encouraging Mindful Consumerism. Shopping in charity shops encourages us to think more mindfully about our purchasing habits. It shifts the focus from instant gratification and mass consumption to thoughtful, purposeful shopping. This mindful approach to shopping helps combat the culture of disposability, where items are used once and discarded. Charity shops remind us that everything we buy has value—and that value can extend far beyond the original owner. YMCA Norfolk has 8 shops located in Norwich City Centre, Anglia Square, Great Yarmouth, Holt and Lowestoft as well as 2 clothing banks located in Norwich and Lowestoft!

Sundays are traditionally a day to spend with family, a time to relax and connect. But for many young people, the reality is different—they don’t have a family to turn to or even a roof over their head. At YMCA Norfolk, we are here to provide support, shelter, and hope for those who need it most. But we can’t do it alone. We need your help to continue our work and ensure every young person has the opportunity for a brighter future. 🌟 #SupportYouth #EndHomelessness #YMCA #EveryYoungPersonMatters

Help us make a difference! 🙌 YMCA Norfolk is a Christian charity dedicated to empowering young people to reach their full potential. We believe every young person deserves a safe place to live and the support they need to grow and thrive. By supporting us, you're helping disadvantaged young people facing crisis moments in their lives. Together, we can provide the safety, guidance, and encouragement they need to build brighter futures. 🌟 #SupportYMCA #YouthEmpowerment #BrightFutures #YMCA #Norfolk #Nonprofit #fundraising #roomsponsor

YMCA empowers young people to improve themselves, their communities, and the world. 🌍 As the oldest and one of the largest youth organizations globally, YMCA has been making an impact since its founding in London in 1844. Today, it reaches over 65 million people annually across 120 countries, with deep roots in communities and decades of experience helping young people thrive. With nearly 90,000 staff, 920,000 volunteers, and 12,000 branches worldwide, YMCA’s global network is dedicated to creating positive change. 💪 #EmpoweringYouth #GlobalCommunity #YMCAImpact #YouthForChange

YMCA Norfolk is here for more than just housing support. 🌟 We offer training, courses, and one-on-one support with a dedicated keyworker, giving our residents the chance to develop new skills, build confidence, and move forward towards a brighter future.  Read Jason's Story here -https://lnkd.in/djYTX4Df  #SupportAndGrowth #NewBeginnings #SkillsForLife #YMCA #Norfolk #Confidence #Grow #Education #Skills

Almost 136,000 young people approached their local authority for help in 2022-23. That’s the equivalent of one young person becoming homeless every four minutes. Many of us are guilty of holding preconceptions about why people become homeless, but the reality is often very different. The common causes of youth homelessness include family breakdown, leaving care, exclusion from school, gang crime, escaping violence and mental health issues.  At YMCA Norfolk, we are striving to create a Norfolk where all young people belong, contribute, and thrive. Our mission is to support young people in overcoming the challenges they face, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need to build a brighter future. We cannot continue to do this without your support!  Every penny donated, helps to make a difference to a young persons life. Donate today - https://lnkd.in/ewvUSnq8 #charity #nonprofit #ymcanorfolk #homeless #youthsupport #weneedyourhelp #donation