YMCA work in Yarmouth trebles over past year
 YMCA Norfolk has seen a huge increase in its work with young people in Great Yarmouth over the past year and a recent open day at its enlarged offices on North Quay welcomed scores of clients, supporters, partner organizations and guests, including local MP Brandon Lewis
In the past year, the number of young people being housed in supported lodgings by YMCA Norfolk has tripled to around 60, a drop-in centre has recently opened and the support and counselling services offered have rapidly expanded their workload, according to area director Mary Ives
“We have seen an explosion in our work in Great Yarmouth. For the past nine years we have been running a supported lodgings scheme for 20 young people. In May last year we moved into our current office in North Quay. Initially we had only the ground floor, but as the work has expanded we have been able to take over the whole building and now have much better facilities where we can help and support a wide range of young people
“In the past year the numbers we are accommodating in supported lodgings have surged as we have added more schemes. Currently we are accommodating 57 young people. While doing this we have also identified needs beyond housing,” said Mary
“Young people need somewhere to go for help, support and advice. Our new drop-in centre recently opened for three sessions a week. We hope to grow this as more volunteers are recruited. Young people can come and find help, support and advice on a wide range of issues. If more help is needed our counselling team can offer a confidential one to one service for young people to help them move forward in their lives
“It has been such an exciting time for the team based in Yarmouth – and we continue to look for opportunities to meet the needs of young people of the borough enabling them to truly learn to belong, contribute and thrive”
The YMCA Norfolk team in the town now numbers 60 people, including 37 lodging providers, 15 volunteers and eight paid staff
The open day on March 24 saw over 50 visitors including local MP Brandon Lewis, who were welcomed by staff, volunteers and clients, who all helped the day run smoothly. Several organizations pledged support for the counselling service and also praised the passion of volunteers, the fantastic service provided by the drop-in centre and the excellent facilities provided
Pictured above at the open day are MP Brandon Lewis and YMCA Norfolk area director Mary Ives
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