£100k cash boost for work of YMCA Norfolk 

YMCA Norfolk has received a cash boost of almost £100,000 from the BBC’s Children in Need to help more than 140 under-18s take part in activities to develop their confidence and improve their employability.

YMCA Norfolk received £96,002 from the TV fundraiser to help some of the county’s most disadvantaged young people. Over the course of three years, it will cover running costs including staffing and activities.

CEO, Tim Sweeting, said: “Many of the young people who seek our services are NEET - not in education, employment or training - and present a wide variety of health issues and are at greater risk of participating in risky or criminal behaviour.

“We are delighted to receive funding from BBC Children in Need as it will allow us to deliver programmes to inspire young people and raise their aspirations.

“More importantly, the young people will be fully involved in planning activities that encourage their own personal development and remove barriers that force them into a cycle of homelessness.”

Programmes will include peer mentoring, training, volunteering and personal support.

Each night YMCA Norfolk, which is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year, provides a safe home for more than 260 young homeless people across Norfolk.

It offers a wealth of services, ranging from family support to training, and improve the lives of countless young people.

Melinda Connelly, BBC Children in Need’s head of the central region, said: “All of the projects that we fund make a tangible difference to young lives, and YMCA Norfolk is no exception. In the months ahead they’ll work closely with some of the young people in Norwich that need it most. To all our fundraisers who have made these grants possible, a very big thank you.”

For more information, visit www.ymcanorfolk.org
 
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