My name is Monique Westcarr. I am currently the Youth Project Officer at YMCA St Paul’s Group, based at YMCA Walthamstow in East London. Over the next few weeks I will be posting weekly blogs. I will be giving some tips, advice and sharing some of my stories with other youth workers. Why/how did I…
I recently heard the Coronavirus poem by Welsh comedian and poet, Max Boyce, “When just the tide goes out”. This poignant and funny poem talks about the change in our world and how the streets are all like Sundays with shops closed and no one about. In the midst of this stillness the caring still…
In place of the London Marathon, Virgin Giving are hosting Challenge 2.6. Instead of 26 miles of London roads, up and down the country people will be raising money together by doing fundraising activities around the number 2.6. Keep an eye out on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for our staff efforts and join in...
Here’s 10 top tips from our counselling team for how to look after your mental health during the lockdown. 1. Remember, you are not alone, most people are feeling more anxious or worried at the moment. 2. Understanding ways to support yourself during this time will help. There’s no quick fix to make anxiety disappear…
Easter 2020 is so different to how any of us thought it would look just a few short weeks ago. Planning for the first BBQ of the year, visiting friends and family, hoping the weather might be good enough for the slightly over grown lawn to be mown and sharing chocolate and goodies to celebrate. Instead…
Youth Services funding reaches lowest point in a generation A report released this week by YMCA reveals that one in four young people (25%) feel so afraid of gangs they are unable to spend time with friends outside of school. Read the full report. This comes as more than half (55%) feel that a primary...
YMCA SPG Membership Administrator Claire Cammack is running her very first marathon this April. She is looking forward to getting back in to running after some time out from her fitness routine “At school I loved running but getting older, becoming a mum and other life events meant that running took a back seat. That…
YMCA Hayes has welcomed two volunteers from France in a new collaboration with YMCA France. Ben Monnie, 22, and Lucie Lucas, 21, joined the Youth Team in September this year and are developing plans for a new Basketball Club and a Gymnastics/Dance Club for 11-16 year olds in the Hayes area, to commence in January...
Or that’s what we are lead to believe... Christmas - For some it may be, for some it isn’t and for some it’s somewhere in between. However, for all its hard to avoid. Step outside your door and you are met with images of merriment, happiness and fun. Stay inside and many adverts will be...
YMCA St Paul’s Group (YMCA SPG) has recognised the dedication of its staff in the communities it serves around London, with staff awards at its Annual Showcase. Held at Central Hall Westminster on Monday 25 November, it was a glittering event to celebrate the work of YMCA. Winners in the Awards categories included Jumpers! Nursery...
