|
It's Fun to Stay at the YMCA |
|
Written by Pete Brayne, Chief Executive of Guildford YMCA
|
|
Tuesday, 26 February 2008 |
Pete Brayne, Chief Executive of Guildford YMCA, writes about their work with young people.
In a society that increasingly denies or just ignores the Christian message Guildford YMCA is surprisingly well placed to deliver services relevant to young people, yet underpinned with the Christian ethos. The YMCA is neither a church nor a statutory body, yet receives support from both local Christians as well as the local council, police and other agencies involved with the well being of young people. This enviable position has been achieved over a number of years by being honest, accountable, and adaptable to the changing needs of
the area. Whilst funding is a perpetual challenge, the range of projects made available to 14-25 year olds continues to “scratch where there’s an itch” and we are proud of the changes we have seen taking place in young lives.
Sadly it is apparent that the issues facing young people are becoming increasingly complex and unmanageable. Chaotic family lives, low achievement at school, and poor job prospects combine to derail too many young hopes. Add to this unrealistic expectations propounded by the media and the close proximity in Surrey of the “haves” to the “have nots”, and the results present themselves to us day by day.
Young people find their way to Guildford YMCA by various routes: it may be through “Sadly it is apparent that the issues facing young people are becoming increasingly complex and unmanageable.” Nightstop, the emergency overnight accommodation for 16-19 year olds; or they may come into Plantation Café, a drug and alcohol free after-school café manned by youth workers; Connexions may recommend joining a Prince’s Trust Team or OneMonth2Motivate course; Guildford Borough Council may refer a homeless 16-25 year old for hostel accommodation. Whatever the way in, YMCA staff will then walk alongside for as long as it takes to address the issues, improve the situation and develop that young person.
Our strapline is “helping young people build a future” and that sums up what we seek to do. There’s no quick fix, and we freely admit we don’t have all the answers ourselves. Working in partnership with other agencies, and hopefully God too, is vital to our success.
More information is available at www.plantationcafe.org.uk and www.guildfordymca.org.uk. |
