Az initially sought support from the YMCA following a stroke and subsequent rehabilitation at West Park Hospital. Upon referral, AZ articulated her need for assistance in employment seeking and confidence-building, addressing her struggles with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. She also disclosed the challenges stemming from an abusive past relationship, including family exclusion, fertility issues,…
Posts By: ymcabc_admin
YMCA’s Curiosity Approach to Christmas Crafts
Written by Mel Braden, Executive Head of Nurseries & Quality Here at YMCA Black Country Group we all absolutely loves Christmas. I’m worse than the children when it comes to getting excited. However, just because it’s the festive season that doesn’t mean we forget our child-led principles. Child-led learning is when a child is offered…
Zanko’s Story
Zanko arrived in the UK after fleeing from Iran in 2021 at the age of 16. Due to his age he was picked up by Children’s Services and placed with a foster family where he thrived and became part of the family, speaking very little English, Zanko was enrolled on an ESOL course. When Zanko…
Our Journey as a Trauma-Informed Charity
YMCA works with a diverse range of clients and service users, from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and experiences. As such, it’s crucial that as a charity that supports individuals we adapt our way of working.
Employee of the Year Award for Early Years professional who has helped hundreds of Black Country children
The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has named Kellie Simcox as the ‘Employee of the Year’ at their high profile 2023 Awards that took place on 9th November. Kellie Simcox, Area Manager of YMCA Day Nurseries in the Black Country, beat off the challenge of some of the region’s most talented individuals to win the…
Midlands partners tour The Royal Quarter
Representatives from the City of Wolverhampton Council were welcomed by Midland’s housing provider, whg, Cannock based developers, MORRO Partnerships, YMCA Black Country Group and ASAN on Friday (20th October) for an exclusive tour of the extensive redevelopment site at The Royal Quarter, off Cleveland Road in Wolverhampton. The Royal Quarter is the project name that…
Celebrating 70 Years of Dedicated Service to YMCA in the Black Country
Yesterday, we had a special celebration to honour Eric and Brenda Moore and their dedicated service to YMCA for 70 and 50 years respectively. Eric first joined YMCA in 1953 and went on to hold many roles on a local and National level; Brenda supported him eventually becoming a full member herself and starting the…
Daryna’s Story
Daryna (pronounced Dasha) came to live at the YMCA City Gateway back in June 2023 on a sponsorship programme from the Ukraine to offer a safe place to live due to the war. During her time here she has made friends with other residents and engaged with resident drop-in, pizza nights and ‘breakfast on the go’ and…
Appreciation for Caring Hosts in the Community
On Friday 29th September, YMCA Black Country Group hosted a memorable evening to honour our dedicated hosts who have made a significant impact on their community. The Host Appreciation Awards Night was a heart-warming celebration of the individuals who have gone above and beyond to provide a warm and welcoming environment for vulnerable teenagers across…
A Fond Farewell (for now)
In the heart of Gornal, there is a truly remarkable place that Senior Mentor with the YMCA Gateway to Achieve Project, Jay Pyatt, has been able to support over the past 18 months – Hope House, a place of collaboration, compassion, and community spirit that has touched the lives of many. Jay is now to…