Serving the Community for Over 135 years
About Us
Birkenhead YMCA has been serving the local community for over 135 years.
In that time we have seen many changes and even though we have history and tradition our approach is very up-to-date, serving not only our own community but nationally and beyond.
Our mission statement is “Helping to build positive futures and overcome barriers for people of all ages”. This is not just a mission statement for us here at Birkenhead YMCA but more of a way of life. We really do make a difference to people’s lives and are proud to see people we have supported move on to brighter futures.
We believe it is a privilege to be able to make a difference in people's lives. In his letter, Keith Sinclair The Bishop of Birkenhead, kindly refers to us as the “beacon of light” to people who are struggling and in need of fresh hope.
THE Telegraph Article
Funding became available to have a narrowboat built. It was designed by Birkenhead YMCA and aptly named “The Potential” and is in service helping people in more ways than one.
An article written for the Telegraph.co.uk by Paul Henry Gowman states “The people that Nigel and his team work with are, very often but not always, the casualties of life. So how can boating make such a big difference to them? Nigel has his own thoughts. 'The boat takes YMCA residents out of their local environment that is at times dominated by the side effects of poverty, drugs and alcohol, crime, violence and social exclusion. It places them in an environment that is radically different to anything most of them have ever experienced. The boat provides a platform and atmosphere that is conducive to relaxation and personal security. Enclosures that often exist between the client and support staff dissolve and at some points I believe it is impossible to distinguish support staff from clients'. ” [Read the full article here]
Learning Disabilities
We are keen to help people from all types of background including people with learning disabilities. The very popular experience of our cruising facilities are also open to organisations for people with a range of support needs and we would be pleased offer our support in making a memorable experience of cruising on the Norfolk Broads and North West Waterways.
On this site you will see that we are a vibrant part of many aspects of our community from supporting an individual through to helping a large business. Birkenhead YMCA offers community support to all.
