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Our Stories
Learn more about what the YMCA means to the people we serve
Graham Oatridge - CEO
My involvement with YMCA started with YMCA Fylde Coast before I disappeared off to YMCA England & Wales for 10 years. Working nationally gave me the tremendous privilege of seeing lots of different YMCA work across the country.
Visiting different YMCAs coincided with some significant changes in my own life. I already had one son but then came another……and another…..and another! All of a sudden, things had got serious! As all parents will tell you, parenthood seems to exacerbate a set of feelings including love, stress, anxiety and exhaustion. It really does change you, or at least it did for me. I began to reflect on my own childhood, one that at the time seemed pretty standard yet on reflection was one of fortune.
And this is where my connection with what the YMCA stands for really began to solidify. You see, as I travelled around different YMCAs their buildings and services could look very different but one thing often stood out….and that is there are some incredibly committed and passionate staff that are determined to do their best for young people that don’t have the love and support network that I have been fortunate to have. If anything happens to my relationship with my children, I know that I want someone like the YMCA to step in and guide them because to me this guarantees that they are going to have someone who has their back, that will offer support and show them kindness.
Kerry Flint - YMCA Housing Manager
My daughter was working for YMCA housing while she was studying to become a social worker. I was self employed at the time and in the process of a relationship break up, applying for a mortgage was difficult.
I decided I needed a job but had been a stay at home mum for most of my working life and didn’t have a career. I had worked various jobs and had several NVQ’s with experience in lots of roles but I really wasn’t sure which direction to go. My daughter suggested I’d be a good support worker so I sent in my application form and was offered a position as a bank support worker.
It’s the best thing I ever did!
At first it was a daunting prospect, if you don’t know what is involved or have little or no experience but I wasn’t put off and with the support of my manager and colleagues quickly came to love the job.
Being a Support Worker means making a positive difference in someone’s life. Making a real change to the lives of the people you provide support for and their community of friends, family and carers.
YMCA gave me the chance to build a career. I’ve learnt transferrable skills and valuable experience, and with ambition, you really can work up the ladder. I hadn’t really considered career progression at first but after 3 years as a support worker I became Manager of YMCA Harbour House.
Heather Turner - YMCA Young People
When I first started at YMCA Lancaster-Young People in 2013 I admit my knowledge about the
organisation was very limited. Fast forward many years later and the ethos and values are very much of part of whom I have become.
The YMCA has enabled me to be the best version of myself and also become
super proud of how the YMCA allows the Young People we work with to explore new opportunities and grow as young people.
Being part of the Young People team is very rewarding, I work with a fantastic, caring and supportive team who go above and beyond to help young people move forwards and grow to their best ability.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing children laughing and enjoying themselves. Here at Lancaster, we pride ourselves on the
fact that everyone who walks through our doors are made to feel welcome, unjudged and safe.