YMCA Youth Matters Awards Finalists

We are thrilled to have made it to the finals in the YMCA Youth Matters Awards. We will be heading to London on Friday 15th November to celebrate with other YMCA's who have made it to the finals!

Our nominations:

Housing Project of the Year - 21 Freeman Street
"21 Freeman Street opened in September 2021 after a challenging build during the pandemic.

Located in one of the UK’s most deprived wards, it features 74 smart studio flats, along with social spaces, laundry facilities, a community café, conferencing facilities, and a residents’ gym. All residents, aged 16 and over, have experienced homelessness or were at risk before moving in.

In the past year, the project housed 184 residents and successfully helped 56 move on positively. Each resident receives a starter pack of essentials and is assigned a dedicated coach for daily support.

Additionally, three qualified counsellors provide one-on-one counselling and peer group support, assisting 72 residents with talking therapies last year.

A former resident shared, “YMCA was a huge part of my life… whenever I am having a bad day I always go for a walk. I don’t plan where… but subconsciously my route always ends at YMCA.”

Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year - YMCA @ Kent Street
"YMCA@Kent Street opened in early 2023, transforming a rundown multi-use games area that had been plagued by anti-social behaviour. YMCA Humber purchased the site and collaborated with local young people to revitalise the area.

The skate park was restored to a safe, usable space, and the changing rooms were refurbished to create a youth and wellbeing hub.

Based on feedback from young people, a variety of free sports activities were introduced, including football, netball, parkour, skateboarding, and fitness sessions.

Some of the young people previously involved in anti-social behaviour have become key members of the football team, set to join the local fair play league in the 24/25 season.

Additionally, ‘Wellness Wednesday’, led by a trained counsellor, offers group activities focused on mental wellbeing, followed by one-on-one support.

With over 40 young people attending each evening, the hub has become a vibrant community space, emphasising both physical and emotional wellbeing."