One of the privileges of working for an all-embracing community organisation like the YMCA is the chance to bring together local organisations who are all seeking to make where we live and work a better place.
- In Merton we are at the heart of setting up a new coordinated work with a range of churches and agencies under the banner of Merton316, Andy our Director of Development is on the Board MVSC (Merton Voluntary Service Council) and Rebecca our Wimbledon Centre Manager is working with local churches and FIA (Faith in Action) on a Merton Winter Night Shelter.
- In Kingston we pull together a meeting of Christian agencies under the (cunningly titled) banner Kingston’s Christian Agencies (see Nov11 minutes here), I am on the Board of KVA (Kingston Voluntary Action) and we also host a range of local providers such as Release, Welmead and Young Carers at our centres in Kingston and Surbiton.
- In Richmond the work we manage at Hampton Pool is on behalf of Hampton Pool Trust, a charity instigated by people from the local community 25 years ago to save the pool. Simon Bailey the Pool General Manager also works with a range of schools and other agencies, ensuring that the pool is accessible to all. Meanwhile beyond the swimming we are busy developing new connections with churches as well as voluntary and statutory providers in order to extend our connections in the area.
- In addition to the work we have in Kingston, Merton and Richmond we also have our work in North Surrey and growing opportunities in both Wandsworth and Sutton. Meanwhile I have recently been asked to become a trustee of South London CVS taking responsibility for community and voluntary work across the south of the capital.
At a time when budgets are tight and contracts are being squeezed I am proud of working for an organisation that seeks to support other community organisations in their vision and mission. By working together we can have achieve more have a deeper impact and bring greater release for those we seek to serve.