We believe...

  • Every person should have a safe place to stay
  • Every individual should have someone they can trust
  • Every family should have the support they need to develop and lead more fulfilling lives.
  • Everybody should enjoy the benefits of good health and wellbeing
  • Every one should be able to fulfil their potential

Our values

We aspire

to help people become more empowered and confident.

We develop

people-focused services which assume the intrinsic worth of every person and benefit the local community.

We hope

to inspire people to have positive aspirations and attitudes towards their own life and that of others.

We aim

to develop services focused on wisdom, motivation and humility.

We strive

to provide encouragement and opportunities to give people’s lives meaning and purpose.

Message from our CEO

“The mission of the YMCA is defined by the inspiration of our Christian heritage to see the transformation of our world through social action, character development, excellence of service and people empowerment. I am proud to be part of it.

“We are an inclusive organisation. Whoever you are and whatever challenges you face, if there’s one thing we’d like you to know it is that you are welcome here.”

Gareth Sherwood, Chief Executive Officer

About YMCA Bournemouth

We work across five key areas – Housing & Support, Family & Relationships, Youth Work, Training & Education, and Health & Wellbeing – to enable people in our local community to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit.

``YMCA is 180 years young this year and is stronger now than ever before! We continue to change lives today, empowering local people and their communities to flourish.``

Gareth Sherwood, CEO, YMCA Bournemouth, 2024