We realise that this is a time of uncertainty for everyone and want to assure you that we have the welfare of service users, staff, volunteers and community members, as a priority at this very challenging time.

What follows are the current arrangements for the different areas of our organisation, based on the latest government advice and our assessment of the risks involved in each service area. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Accommodation

All housing projects remain open and we continue to serve and support our residents and service users during this time. We regularly clean and sanitise our premises, and procedures are in place for those visiting our sites. Comprehensive plans are in place to support staff and service users, and these are regularly reviewed in line with the government’s advice and guidelines, including social distancing.

Our network of Supported Lodgings continues to thrive during this period, thanks to our team of outstanding volunteer Hosts families, who despite the restrictions are opening their doors to young people in emergency housing need.

Normal referral processes are in place and applications for all housing sites can still be made.

Nurseries

All our Early Years settings are open and welcoming children and parents. If your child is ready to embark on a new learning journey and you would like to arrange a visit at one of our settings, please contact the relevant Nursery Manager who will be able to facilitate this for you in a safe way.

Safety measures are in place at all our settings to help limit the risk of coronavirus transmission.

Some of the steps we have taken include:

  • Asking that anyone who is displaying coronavirus symptoms, or who lives with someone who does, not to attend the setting. That includes children and staff who work here.
  • Keeping our children in small groups with as much consistent staffing as possible, and minimising contact with other groups around the setting.
  • Washing our hands more often than usual. We have developed routines to ensure children understand when and how to wash their hands.
  • Ensuring our children understand good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach, and ensuring a good supply of tissues and bins throughout the setting.
  • Implementing an enhanced cleaning schedule, ensuring surfaces touched by children and staff are cleaned regularly and throughout the day, including table tops, door handles and play equipment.
  • Asking parents and carers to physically distance from each other and from staff when dropping off and collecting their children, and to limit drop off and collection to one parent or carer per household.
  • Asking children not to bring toys or other items from home to the setting, unless this is essential to their health and wellbeing.

YGym

YGym is open!

Updates can be found via our social media platforms as well as texts and emails to you our members. If you are not already doing so, please ensure you are following our social media accounts detailed below.

We would also like to thank each and every one of our members for their continued support throughout these challenging times.

Opening and Closing hours

YGym facilities opening and closing times:

Mon – Friday: 7.00am – 9.00pm
Sat: 8.00am – 9.00pm
Sun: 9.00 – 9.00pm

There will also be a new fitness class timetable starting Monday 17th May 2021. All classes must be booked in advance due to adhering to COVID-19 Guidelines.

You can view and book YGym classes through our website https://www.ymcabc.org.uk/our-services/health-wellbeing/health-wellbeing-centre/classes/, or by calling 0121 524 1950.

YMCA Coffee Shop

The coffee shop located in Carters Green, West Bromwich is closed until further notice.

We will continue to provide regular updates on our service(s) as and when received, via our social media channels.

YMCA Charity Shop

The YMCA shop located in Wednesfield High Street is now open!

Please call the Charity Shop if you want to donate any items, so appointments can be made – thank you.

Conferencing

Our conferencing and hire facilities based at Carters Green (Western Gateway), West Bromwich and at the Small Street Centre, Walsall are now available for hire.

Our customers can expect to see implemented COVID-19 secure premises which include:

Overall Key Enhancements
• Added cleaning and disinfecting frequency
• Minimized guest touch points through operational changes
• Visible sanitizer stations in public and colleague spaces
• Protective Equipment guidance for staff
• Social distancing protocols and visual cues

Meetings & Events
• Room set up and configured to allow for social distancing
• Mealtimes staggered to avoid congestion (at applicable site)
• Tables, chairs wiped down during breaks in meetings
• Strict food handling and service guidelines in effect (at applicable site)
• Sanitizer available throughout space
• Recommend use of personal smart devices and tablets for taking notes

Small Street Centre

Following current Government Guideline The Small Street Centre has resumed face to face delivery of its community projects and room hire. (Please see above for conferencing details).

We will continue to provide regular updates on our service as and when received, via our social media channels:

Glebe Centre, Walsall

Following Government Guidelines, The Glebe Centre is running a limited service due to restrictions. Crisis support, food and showers are available to existing service users and/or those with a referral, these services are available from 10am till 1pm.

We are also working alongside other community groups to deliver resources and services across Walsall to those individuals most impacted by the Covid-19 situation.

If you require support and would like to speak to a member of the Glebe Centre team, please call 01922 625687 or e-mail info@ymcabc.org.uk

Mentoring Projects (BBO-Family Matters, Talent Match, I Trust)

YMCA mentors across a range of projects continue to take on new referrals and are working on creative ways to keep vulnerable clients engaged; including video links, podcasts, zoom group calls and befriending phone calls.