Posts Categorized: Our News

Relax and focus with Tai Chi at YMCA Hawker

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Tai chi Group exercise classes are very popular at our centres, taught by committed and enthusiastic instructors. At YMCA Hawker in Kingston, there’s a great range to choose from such as Body Pump, Zumba and Tai Chi. The current Tai Chi class is on Tuesday mornings 9am-10am and on fine days takes place under the trees on...

Our Inclusive Lives team win Silver at the Merton Partnership Volunteer Awards

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Inclusive Lives Silver Award Our Inclusive Lives project team won a Silver Award this month at the Merton Partnership Volunteer Awards, which was hosted by Merton Voluntary Services Council. It’s the Borough's annual celebration to acknowledge and pay thanks to the tremendous contribution that the thousands of local volunteers make to Merton. This year awards were presented by the...

Eid’s dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer in Walthamstow

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Eid's story

Eid Aljazairli, 24, is a young Syrian refugee who lives at YMCA Walthamstow. He fled Damascus and came to the UK in 2016. His dream is to become an Olympic swimmer after being inspired by watching videos on the internet of US Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. “He was amazing, flying through the water,” says Eid….

New Breakfast & Afterschool Clubs at St Mary’s School, Chessington

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Staff with child at club

Our newly launched Breakfast Club and Afterschool Club at St Mary’s Primary School, Chessington are a big hit with busy parents. Offering fun activities for children from Reception right through to Year 6, the clubs are run by a caring staff team. Breakfast Club Children are welcomed from 7.45am, where they are given a healthy breakfast…

Refugee Week 2018 – Mohamed’s story

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mohamed outside YMCA centre

Here’s Mohamed’s story of his torture in Afghanistan and his subsequent escape to the UK, where he was referred to YMCA. It’s not an easy read…but important to know what many refugees have endured. ‘My family had a successful and happy life in Afghanistan until the Taliban shot my father and cousin dead when I…

Celebrating Eid at YMCA Walthamstow

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People celebrating Eid with meal

On Monday evening, 5pm-7pm, YMCA Walthamstow hosted a special Eid celebration meal for its residents and staff. It was open to all, but particularly special for many residents as it marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Around 60 residents attended, along with 10 staff. The café was decorated by Pauline…

YMCA John Innes gains London Youth Silver Quality Mark

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youth Award

Over the last year, the youth department based at YMCA John Innes Youth Club has been working very hard to complete its London Youth Silver Quality Mark. London Youth is committed to high quality youth work and helps support its members to achieve the highest standard they can. The Quality Mark provides organisations with a…

Inclusive Lives launches its EveryBODY Can Dance video

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Women participating in EveryBODY group class

Over the past few months members of our Inclusive Lives Project have been working with Filmanthropy UK to produce a user-led fitness instruction video. It’s aimed at everyone in the community, to encourage people to get active, dance and have fun! Even our care givers got involved in the video, showing us how to use…

Kingston Samaritans celebrate 50 years of service

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Samaritans

Kingston Samaritans are celebrating their 50th anniversary this weekend at All Saints Church in Kingston with a Thanksgiving Service at 2pm. Kingston Samaritans provide essential support to YMCA Surbiton hostel residents and we work closely with them. Two volunteers from Kingston Samaritans are at the hostel reception every Tuesday from 7.30pm and 9.30pm to offer…