Room (YMCA LSW’s Youth Work Projects) are holding their first photography competition. It’s completely free to enter and open to anyone under the age of 18 who lives or works in the Boroughs of Kingston, Merton or Richmond.

We are always blown away by the creativity and enthusiasm of the young people we work with, and being a charity with firm roots in all three Boroughs, we would love to know what young people find inspirational in their communities and the local environment. So, that’s the theme of the competition -  ‘What inspires Me In My Community’ 

What inspires you?

The photographs entered will be judged on creativity as much as technical merit and you are free to use either a camera or a camera phone. Whether you are a... ]]>Wed, 15 May 2013 16:07:56 GMT ]]>Fri, 10 May 2013 14:55:58 GMT

Everyone is welcome at the YMCA Hawker Centre for this free event. From 12pm to 4pm on Sunday 23rd June there’ll be lots going on for all ages with taster sessions, live music, childrens activities and lots more, with a BBQ and fully licensed cafe/bar too.

Taster SessionsOn the main stage outside on the field, we'll be running taster sessions of Y+ Fitness classes and Space children's programmes including Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:23:23 GMT
Photo: YMCA Hawker Family Fun Day 2012. The next Hawker Fun Day is on Sunday 23rd June 2013, 12 noon to 4pm. Free event, all welcome!


The Pod will be open as usual on Bank Holiday Monday.
Y+ Fitness will be open with slightly reduced hours, see below for details.
YMCA Hawker ... ]]>Tue, 14 May 2013 08:10:58 GMT

Last year YMCA London South West made significant improvements to YMCA Hawker. Phase One saw the addition of an exercise studio with a new sprung floor, a refurbished café, reception area and of course, the opening of The Pod soft play facility.

Feedback on the first phase of the refurbishment has been extremely positive, but we know that members and users have been asking ‘What about the gym?’

So….what about the Gym?The second and final phase of the refurbishment is about to begin with a major upgrade of the gym and changing areas. The main improvements will include:

• All new Precor cardio and resistance equipment – key pieces will include Adaptive Motion Trainers and th... ]]>Wed, 15 May 2013 15:49:32 GMT
Thanks to a combination of support, encouragement and prayers, I’m delighted to report that I got to the start line injury free, I completed the 26.2 miles to get over the finishing line and collect my medal, and I enjoyed the experience. Which is exactly what I set out to achieve – can’t ask for more than that. It took me 5 hours, 52 minutes and 46 seconds, so Paula Radcliffe isn’t quaking in her boots just yet! It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget.

At the start, many of the runners were wearing black ribbons and a 30 second silence acknowledged the Boston bombing. Refusing to allow such a devastating event to impact the spirit of the London marathon, none of the runners that I spoke to had any doubts about being there; there was no question of not running.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone who so kindly ... ]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:41:25 GMT


She did it! We are delighted to report that our latest Fundraising Champion Helen Brett crossed the finishing line with a very respectable time of 5 hours 52 minutes and 46 seconds.

After receiving her (appropriately weighty) medal, Helen said:

'Paula Radcliffe isn’t quaking in her boots just yet! It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget'.

Helen has been building up to running the whole 26.2 miles for the last few months, training through the snow and unusually bitterly cold weather. You can catch up with the final instalment of her blog here.

YMCA London South West are delighted that Helen had such a good run and wo... ]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:28:15 GMTKnow your Royals? Can you recite the Periodic Table? Remember who was number one at Christmas?

Come test your knowledge at the YMCA Hawker Quiz Night, where there’ll be prizes on offer and you can help us raise a bit of money for YouFund at the same time.

The DetailsThe Quiz Night will take place on Friday 17th May, starting at 7.30pm (with the bar open from 7pm). Teams can consist of up to six people and individuals are welcome. Quiz entry is £4 per person.

If you would like to join a team, please get in touch with Candice (details below).

Book Your TicketsTo book your tickets (and we recommend doing so in advance), please contact Candice on ... ]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:24:15 GMT
Some may criticise saying that for some work is about paying the bills, or survival but I do believe that those who get on and get going in life are those who go to work with a positive, 'can do' spirit. In the YMCA this apples whether you are clearing and cleaning the room of a resident, planning a marketing campaign or running inclusive fitness programmes you can do so with a contributory attitude. 

Such an approach is not about getting promoted, or getting something for yourself but about contributing to the whole community because it is the right thing to do. ]]>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:48:40 GMT

Image and Personal Development Consultant Denise Dale from Altogether You will be joining YMCA London South West for the next four months. Denise is one of 500 people from across the UK who has been selected to work at her chosen charity supported by the Vodafone Foundation as part of their World of Difference Programme. 

Denise’s role will involve working with a wide variety of people.  One area will be to work with some of the (formerly homeless) hostel residents who are currently job hunting. Denise will help them build confidence and adopt practical skills that will help them gain employment. This may involve advising them on how to dress f... ]]>Wed, 08 May 2013 10:17:55 GMT
YMCA London South West will be running three camps during the May half term holiday across Kingston and Wimbledon.

The Space team are planning their usual mix of indoor, outdoor, active, sporty and creative fun with plenty of trips out to local attractions and places of interest.

There's so much to do and you can relax knowing your child will be thoroughly entertained and well-cared for. The YMCA has a well-established reputation for providing reliable, affordable, good quality care for children. We treat each child as an individual within a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. All staff are experienced, enthusiastic and have been CRB checked. We operate a staff to child ratio of 1:8.

To book places or to ask any questions you may have, please contact the relevant Camp Co-ordinator.

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:13:17 GMTWhen I talk to our residents at my YMCA and ask them what they really want, like anyone all they want is their own home with their own front door.

When I look at our council’s housing waiting list it shows a significant increase in single people applying for housing thus lessening the chance for our residents being offered a flat.

When I ask our housing staff what is the biggest barrier that prevents our residents from moving on in their lives, the overwhelming feedback is that there isn’t enough suitable ‘move-on’ accommodation.

When I consider the changes in housing benefit, it is clear to me that shared accommodation is becoming one of the only options for most of our residents – not something that I’d want to consider.

When I read the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Housing  Report on young people, stating 1.5m young people will be pushed into the private rented sector, where quality an... ]]>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:46:51 GMTWe have a number of membership options, with a range of benefits (click through the links to find out more). Or if you prefer, you can simply ‘Pay As You Go’. So no matter when, how often or for how long you want to exercise, we’ll have an option to suit you.

All memberships come with free access to the Get Started Programme, where in five-steps we’ll make sure you get the most from your workout by setting goals, developing a personalised programme, motivating you with personal training sessions and by giving you nutritional advice along the way.  

Our membership prices also include free access to a huge range of fitness, sport and dance classes, over 50 a week at YMCA Wimbledon, including Zumba and Indoor Cycling (see the timetable
Over the last 15 weeks, I’ve completed 59 runs which took me just over 70 hours at an average pace of 10:46 minute miles with an average heart rate of 143. I’ve used up 32,250 calories, but I only weigh 1.6kg’s less than when I started, so I must have eaten a lot!

Less than a week to go until the big day and there is still time to sponsor me!

]]>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:49:52 GMTA new monthly drop in clinic is available for NHS hearing aid users experiencing difficulties or needing advice.

During these sessions the NHS Audiology Service can provide:

• Replacement Batteries
• Re-tubing and Routine Maintenance
• Advice on Hearing Aids and Assistive Listening Devices

No appointment necessary, just 'drop-in'. The session will run on the last Wednesday of the month between 11:30am and 1:30pm

For more Information please contact Richard Williams, Audiology Community Support Co-Ordinator on 07918 942107

]]>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:35:28 GMTmy marathon mascot given to me by my mother in law.

A big thank you to everyone who has very kindly sponsored my marathon run by making a donation to the YMCA LSW – total raised to date is £950 which is absolutely brilliant! If you would like to support my London Marathon challenge, you can do so here.





]]>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:21:55 GMT
If you’ve been thinking about sponsoring me and haven’t quite got round to it yet, you can sponsor my London Marathon challenge here


]]>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:17:33 GMTChristmas is a time of celebration, reflection and over eating but for senior managers at YMCALSW last Christmas represented a time of transition and new beginnings. Leading up to the seasonal break we undertook a senior management restructure – realigning roles and responsibilities as well as some reporting lines. Driven by a desire to meet our cause and the needs of our community we scrapped the ‘Senior Staff Team – SST’, a group that had been meeting for over 7 years and replaced it with two new groups – a Chief Officers Team (COT) and a Senior Management Team (SMT).

Over the last 3-4 months these new teams have been working out how to meet and work together. There are new faces around the table as well as new expectations about meeting formats and contents. The underpinning desire has been to have a consistency – avoiding duplication and confusion.

Having had the most recent COT & SMT meetings in the last 10 days I would li... ]]>Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:42:22 GMT
We may chuckle as we look back and comment how little things have changed - noting that computer games & mobile technology has replaced television in our concerns, however should the lack of progress cause us more of a problem that mild amusement? 

I have now been working full time with young people's charities for over 12 years, during which time I have worked with church'ed' , 'un'churched and 'de'churched young people. I have seen projects come and go, some events become fashionable before then fading.  Articles such as this one from the Surrey Comet provoke in me questions to which I have no definitive answers, such as: 

1. Is our youthwork simply playing... ]]>Wed, 08 May 2013 22:30:55 GMT
   ]]>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:58:29 GMTLondon Marathon training wk 12 completed – have run a total of 297 miles, 117.2 to go. 4 miles behind schedule. A total of 39 miles this week including a cold (‘feels like’ -5 degrees), sleety and windy 20 miler on Sunday. Up at 5am so I could run 4 miles before starting the 16 mile Kingston Breakfast Run. Another defining moment, as I have never run so far before, and I have now run the longest distance I will do before the real thing on 21^st April. Let’s hope the weather is a bit kinder on the day!
   
   You can sponsor Helen here
   
   

    

   ]]>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:34:28 GMTOver the last few years I have been meeting with different members of staff on a one to one basis under a scheme called Rising Stars. The idea is that managers nominate someone in their centre or department who has impressed them. I then arrange to meet them one lunchtime to talk. As I explain to them at the very least they get a free lunch out of it however what is more important is that I have time to listen to their views on the organisation, their hopes and dreams for their own career progression as well as how together we may improve the lives of those we work with, whilst enabling them to progress and develop.

   As we progress as an organisation, as more opportunities come our way and we are engaged with more and more challenging situations I hope to be able to connect in with my select group of rising stars. For some this may result in promotion or extra responsibilities however I suspect that for more the bigger picture is being able to do more of something they believ... ]]>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:22:52 GMTHelen was born and brought up in Cardiff, but has lived in Wimbledon, Surbiton and now Claygate for over 20 years. In that time she has worked for the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority but now works for Lloyds Banking Group, Insurance, where she is the Head of Compliance for the Solvency programme. She spends a lot of time travelling to Edinburgh as well as serving as a local magistrate when back at home.

   Helen has been a Trustee of YMCA London South West for 15 years. She first came in contact with the YMCA as she lived around the corner from YMCA Surbiton and used the fitness facilities. She began her Y life as a Trustee of the then separate Care charity when YMCA LSW’s Care Homes in Molesey and Walton were first completed. Helen has been Chair of the Board of Trustees since 2010.

   ]]>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:37:40 GMT
   
   Can you help YouFund help local young people?
   
   Much of what YMCA London South West does is about children and young people. Providing high quality, affordable childcare, promoting healthy active fun through sport and encouraging creativity, self-expression and self-confidence through our various youth projects that run across Kingston and Merton.
   
   Youth projects like Music Room, which is gig venue, a rehearsal room and recording studio that runs at the YMCA John Innes Youth Centre in Wimbledon. The Room Youth Team holds weekly music workshops that young people can come along to for free, learn an instrument, sing, learn to DJ or operate a mixing desk. If they discover a talent, great, but the emphasis is on having the confidence to try new things and to simply ... ]]>Thu, 16 May 2013 12:17:21 GMTLondon Marathon training wk 11 completed – have run a total of 259 miles, 153.2 to go. 6 miles behind schedule. 37 miles this week including a cold, wet and windy 18 miler taking in the Thames towpath, Hampton Court, Bushy and Richmond Parks. A defining moment, as the furthest I’ve ever run up and until this, is 16 miles.
   
   We are so lucky to have such great places to run - if only the weather would perk up a bit! Steve (my husband) did a cycle over to the Surrey Hills so between us, we managed to fill the washing basket with wet and muddy training kit!
   ]]>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:38:35 GMTLondon Marathon training wk 10 completed – have run a total of 222 miles, 187.2 to go. 9 miles behind schedule. 34 miles this week including a cold and windy 16 miler at Bushy Park on Sunday … but it was so much easier in the company of 50 fellow parkrunners, running their chosen number of laps of the parkrun course. This is the fifth year of this informal annual event, known as ‘Not the London Marathon’ with more runners joining in each year. Hope to see you there in 2014!
   ]]>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:14:52 GMTYMCA London South West and their project partners are looking for empty houses and flats to bring back to life. If you own a house or flat in Kingston or Merton that you would like to let, but do not have the time or resources to restore to a rentable standard, we could help.

   We have secured funding of up to 30k per property to carry out the necessary repairs and would lease the property from you for between five and ten years. We would then let the property to local people in housing need, manage tenancies and guarantee your rental income. At the end of the lease, you could either end the arrangement with the YMCA or re-negotiate a further lease.  

   Our partners in this exciting project are the Royal Borough of Kingston, Merton Council and Habitat for Humanity, a charity that has helped renovate, repair or build over 600,000 homes... ]]>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:17:08 GMTLondon marathon training, wk 9 completed - have run a total of 188 miles, 230.2 still to go. 9 miles behind schedule. It's been an exciting week of training. 2 short runs along Dubai marina then a long run of 14 miles with my run buddy Andrea in Abu Dhabi. Can't get better than that!!
   
   

   ]]>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:15:26 GMT
   
   The Merton Winter Night Shelter is an organisation forged from the heart of the local community to help alleviate the problems faced by local rough sleepers in the coldest winter months.

   The Night Shelter provided food and shelter for nineteen local rough sleepers this Winter, as well as “move on” opportunities such as helping with benefit applications, connecting with local GPs, and drug and alcohol services. The shelter team help with housing referrals, passport applications for those whose ID has been lost or stolen and also provid ad hoc counselling and support for the guests. Two have already been housed, and a further four have been referred to housing agencies via the local council. It's about more than a warm bed, not that that should be taken for granted:
   
   “... ]]>Sun, 03 Mar 2013 13:49:17 GMT
   
   We were delighted to receive a cheque for £700 from Waitrose as part of their Community Matters programme. A very thoughtful member of the public nominated YMCA Surbiton for December's 'Charity of the Month' . This was a fantastic opportunity for us to link the donation with our Housing Department's fundraising.
   
   The funds received will be awarded to the hostel Resettlement Fund, a fund for ex-residents that buys basic furniture and other necessary items needed when moving on from the YMCA to live independently. The money will also go towards the Life Skills course, which is a six week programme to help residents learn how to budget, cook, manage a tenancy and also h... ]]>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:44:55 GMT
   
   We asked Lisa Kwei a few questions about her upcoming fundraising gig at Basement on 5th April...
   
   
   This will be your second fundraising gig at the Basement. What do you like about the venue and indeed, YMCA London South West?
   
   The Basement has a really lovely vibe and the audience were so receptive to new material first time around. And I used to work for YMCA LSW, so I know about all the work they do for the local community. I really want to support their projects with young people – especially the ones that build confidence through music and through the Residential camps.
   
   How did you start your singing career?
   
   I’ve always loved music, listening to it, dancing to it. I wanted to learn the guitar and joined a group. None of the others wanted to si... ]]>Sun, 31 Mar 2013 17:50:06 GMTAlison is an experienced Office Manager/Executive Assistant with financial planning and people management experience. She has an excellent breadth of knowledge as a result of a varied career in both the banking and not-for-profit sectors.
    
   The YMCA is very much an integral part of Alison’s life. She first became a Board Member of Wimbledon and District YMCA in 1987 and has represented the YMCA at both regional and national level. Alison brings to the Board a breadth of experience of the YMCA Movement.
    
   Alison has learnt much about the changing world of corporate governance over the years and is honoured to serve as the Chair of the newly-formed Board Improvement Group. She is completely committed to ensuring that the Board continuously improves the quality and positive impact of its governance, enabling it to truly focus on the key decisions.
    
   Originally from Bolton in Lancashire, Alison’s favourite things are dogs, driving... ]]>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:38:44 GMTThe Merton Winter Night Shelter is now approaching its final few weeks and has, in its first full year been a great success. Given that the Shelter has been full since the beginning the challenge has been to ensure that those who are using the shelter this year dont have to sleep rough and be forced to use the Shelter next year. 
   
   Dan Symmonds has been the Night Shelter coordinator and he has provided the following update: 

   • We have now seen a total of 18 different guests in the night shelter, of whom we have applied for benefits for 12. Seven of our benefit applications have been successful so far, and only one has been refused. Having benefits is the first step on the road to rebuilding their lives. 
   • We have made four housing referrals via the council, three to Vision Housing and one to the YMCA, and we have two more housing referrals to make this week for guests who have recently been granted benefits.
   • One guest has alrea... ]]>Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:52:24 GMT
     
     Main terms & conditions
     • Pass may be used by over 16’s only.
     • Pass may be redeemed up to and including 31st May 2013.
     • We reserve the right to end the offer early or temporarily suspend the offer if oversubscribed (for example, if temporary membership levels affect the safety and comfort of gym members/users).
     • Only one pass may be used per person.
     • A lifestyle questionnaire must be completed before using Y+ Fitness facilities. Please consult your G.P. before starting any exercis... ]]>Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:10:54 GMT
       
       The YMCA LSW Annual Review may be downloaded here. It has been a busy year with several new projects like the opening of The Pod Soft Play, the Y+ Fitness Surbiton Gym refurbishment and the launch of the Empty Homes Scheme to name just three. Perhaps our biggest news is the complete redevelopment of YMCA Wimbledon.
       
       Read all about these projects and more in our Review which is so crammed full of news, updates and info that we have had to split it in two:

       YMCA LSW Annual Review Part One

       YMCA LSW Annual Review Part TwoTue, 05 Feb 2013 11:49:02 GMTKhalsa Karate, who teach at YMCA Hawker Centre, took three competitors to the Kyu Grade English Championships in Sheffield on Sunday 20th January.
       
       The results were outstanding. Three competitors, two golds, one silver.
       
       Sensei  Sat talks about the medallists:
       
       Alex James: SilverFirst up was Alex James who won the English Championships last year. This year was going to very hard as she moved up a category and was one of the youngest at 11 in a 12 year category and one of the lightest.
       
       

	GYM	CAFE	THE POD (Last entry)
Mon 27th May

1st Round:	3	-	0
2nd Round:	8	-	0
Q/F:	5	-	0
S/F:	4	-	1	Flags
Final:... ]]>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:03:57 GMTWe offer a choice of five party menus for children's parties at YMCA Surbiton: Menu 1: £3.45 per personSandwiches Sausage Rolls Crisps Cocktail Sausages Cheese Puffs   Menu 2: £3.95 per personSandwiches Sausage Rolls Crisps Cocktail Sausages Variety of Mini Quiches Crudités and Dips   Menu 3: £5.95 per personSandwiches and Wraps Crisps Cheese Puffs Crudités and Dips Variety of Pizza Bites Cold Chicken Drumsticks Cupcakes Mixed Fruit Kebabs Menu 4: £9.95 per personVegetable Spring Rolls Breaded Chicken Dippers Fish and Chips in a Cone Mini Cheese Burgers Variety of Pizza Bites Potato Smilies Breaded Cheese and Bacon Straws (Choose 3 desser... ]]>Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:51:00 GMTsponsor me here). This is my 4th year of being out with Sleepeasy, although I confess that last year I went home early as I was speaking at a church the next morning. This year however I determined to make it through the night, getting to know the inside of my cardbox well! There is something very honest about sleeping rough and in the open. As you lie on the grass in the dark, cold and wet you are suddenly confronted by the frailty of life, you know that there is very little you can do to protect yourself - you need to sleep but you know as you do you become all the more at risk. In stepping out in this way there is something almost spiritual in the act of sleeping rough so others dont have to. The Bible tells us that God became flesh and dwelt among us - and yet whilst he was incarnated amon... ]]>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:47:44 GMT How did you find it? Cold? Tiring? Thank you so much for taking part in Sleep Easy 2013. Your sponsorship will help support our work with homeless people our local community and the work of Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness and Faith in Action. And it's not just about the money. Your participation has helped raise awareness of the issue too, which is equally important. Your CertificateDownload your certificate by clicking on the image below: Remembering The NightYou'll be able to see photos from the night on our Facebook page here. ... ]]>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:07:56 GMTSome very good news about our Surbiton Youth Club! The latest Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team newsletter features a very positive article about the YMCA’s Balaclava Road Youth Project: Youth ASB reduces after club opens "There has been a noticeable reduction in anti-social behaviour by young people in nearby Victoria Recreation Park since the Balaclava Youth Club run by YMCA London South West opened in April 2012. The St Marks and Surbiton Hill Neighbourhood Committee all help with it. We assisted in promoting it and the club attracted many attendees as soon as it opened its doors. Balaclava Youth Club provides a space for young people to meet with friends and engage in positive activities. Depending upon need it runs up to three evenings a week during holidays and less in term time (its initial success led to extra funding to continue over the school summer break). We atten... ]]>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:37:46 GMTFor a full programme of senior trips, activities and our recommended fitness classes, download your nearest centre’s Senior Programme: YMCA Hawker Centre YMCA Surbiton YMCA Wimbledon Want To Know More?If you have any questions or would like to book a trip or activity, please contact Clemency on 020 8339 4621 or email clemencylawrence@ymcalsw.org ]]>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:25:41 GMT To book your place, please do pop into the relevant centre or you can contact Clemency on 020 8339 4621 or email clemencylawrence@ymcalsw.org Thank you. ]]>Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:46:45 GMTAn annual social membership for over 60’s which entitles you to a discount on trips out, on exercise classes, senior activities and in the Canteen. Membership costs £25 per year and entitles you to: • 15% discount off senior trips and activities • 15% discount on food and drink in Canteen* • Discounted prices for Y+ Fitness exercise classes *Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Discount applies to tea/coffee and food prepared by Canteen only, not pre-packaged items. Want To Know More?To find out more about our Senior Social Membership, please contact Clemency on 020 8339 4621 or email clemencylawrence@ymcalsw.org How Your Membership Supports UsThe surp... ]]>Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:58:50 GMT Main terms & conditions Passes may be used by over 16’s only. We reserve the right to end the offer early or temporarily suspend the offer if oversubscribed (for example, if temporary membership levels affect the safety and comfort of gym members/users). Only one pass may be used per person. A lifestyle questionnaire must be completed before using Y+ Fitness facilities. Please consult your G.P. before starting any exercise programme. We may require a letter from your G.P. before allowing you to use the facilities. YMCA LSW reserves the right to refuse admission. ]]>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:02:52 GMTUnfortunately we cannot offer online booking for this event. To book your Quiz Night tickets, please contact Candice on 020 8439 7410 or email candicedunne@ymcalsw.org ]]>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:56:39 GMTThu, 16 May 2013 12:17:21 GMTWe’re are always looking out for high quality individuals to join our Board of Directors (trustees). As a registered charity, we are governed by this group of trustees, who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that the association is realising its vision of being a Christian charity where people can come as they are; be met at their point of need and come to know live in all its fullness. Want To Know More?If becoming a Board member at YMCA LSW sounds of interest to you, you can read more about the structure and key functions of the Board in this download: Board of Directors Enquiry Pack If ou are interested in making an application you can do it on the form below, this can then be emailed toMon, 07 Jan 2013 11:53:16 GMTYMCA Hawker early this morning as were interviewed about changes to the Criminal Records checks being announced. Sadly they didnt want to go down the slide or enter the sensory room....maybe next time.  ]]>Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:15:09 GMTOn the 13th December young people from various housing and homeless organisations joined MPs and Ministers in the House of Commons for the first every Homeless Young People’s Parliament. 18 young people from YMCAs across the country came together to speak up and represent the views of homeless young people to Parliament. The YMCAs involved were Bedfordshire, Blackburn, Cambridge & Peterborough, Colchester, Derbyshire, Leicester, London South West, Mendip, North Staffordshire, Sussex Central, Watford, West London, Woking, Worcester and YMCA England. The event was organised by the Shadow Minister for Housing and YMCA Parliamentary Patron, Jack Dromey MP, who was joined on the day by the Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon John Bercow MP; the Minister for Communities and Local Government, Don Foster MP; and the Minister for Planning, Nick Boles MP. In advance of the main event, a planning meeting took place with young people on the 3rd<... ]]>Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:44:07 GMT YMCA London South West and Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness were outside the Bentall Centre all day on Friday to launch the annual Sleep Easy event. Volunteers and staff took turns to sit in the Sleep Easy perspex box, while others encouraged shoppers to sign up for the event. We would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all the Kingston Christmas shoppers who made donations and pledged to ‘sleep rough so others don’t have to’. The event itself will take place on the night of Saturday 26th January. It’s a great community event. It can get a bit nippy, but it's lots of fun with games and activities as well as hot food and drink to warm you up throughout the night. You can sign up Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:02:24 GMTIain is a qualified Chartered Physiotherapist and has been working in the Higher Education sector for the last 20 years. He runs the School of Rehabilitation Sciences in the Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences, a joint venture between Kingston University and St Georges University of London. Iain has a wide range of experience working across boundaries and this is particularly true of his current role. Iain has been a Christian since 1974 and worships at St Pauls Kingston Hill. He is keen to bring this range of experience to help in the oversight of YMCA LSW on the Board of Trustees. He says the current leadership is inspiring to work with and is excited about the opportunities for YMCA LSW to develop and serve the local community. ]]>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:40:13 GMTSorry. We're afraid online booking for Christmas Activities at The Pod isn't available. You can book your tickets from Reception at YMCA Hawker Centre or by calling 020 8296 9747. ]]>Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:32:07 GMT ‘Here For Good’ was the message of YMCA LSW’s Annual General Meeting, held at YMCA Wimbledon on Wednesday 28th November. Led by Chief Executive Richard James, plans where unveiled for the re-development of the site on the Broadway, while staff, ex-residents and other guests including YMCA LSW Patron Roger Taylor shared their memories and experiences of the charities work in the community over the past 118 years. Redevelopment YMCA LSW Chair Helen Jones and representatives from Orion Land and Leisure and Wilmott Dixon signed a symbolic partnership agreement on the evening; with fine details of th... ]]>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:43:14 GMTThank you for wanting to join us at this years Sleep Easy event. Please do make sure you have read and understood the terms and conditions before signing up. We’re running to sleep outs, one in Kingston and one in Wimbledon. So which will it be? ]]>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:46:13 GMT Bridging the gap between the end of school and the end of the working day is often a challenge.   YMCA London South West provides an affordable and reliable After School Club service at YMCA  Centres and within local schools across the Boroughs of Merton and Kingston.  Children are collected from school either by minibus or escorted on foot, given a nutritious snack and provided with a choice of creative and sporty activities. YMCA Centres are blessed with both indoor and outdoor facilities with lots of space to let off steam after school or chill out with school friends. Details of individual After School Clubs may be found here: Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:42:14 GMTThank you for signing up to this year’s Sleep Easy event. The next step is starting to fundraising! All surpluses made from Sleep Easy are split between ourselves and Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH) and Faith in Action for our work with homeless people in the local community. The money you raise makes a real positive difference. So thank you. Become A ChampionSign up to become a champion on our website and start fundraising online with your own sponsorship page. Send the link to your friends, post it on facebook or send the link out on twitter. It only takes a few steps to become a champion. Jump straight in here or download some instructions first. Sponsorshi... ]]>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:39:14 GMTThank you for signing up to this year’s Sleep Easy event. Below are links to all the information you need to know and contact details in case you have any further queries or questions. Event PackYou can download an event pack here, which explains what you need to bring with you on the night, what’ll be happening where and when, and tells you a little bit more information about ourselves, KCAH and Faith in Action; the charities whose work you are supporting by taking part. Maps and Car ParkingBelow are some links and the full addresses of this year’s Sleep Easy venues. You can also download car parking maps here. Kingston: Memorial Gardens, Union Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 A soft play facility is one where children can play, explore and learn in an environment that encourages their physical, emotional and intelectual development.  Using soft play encourages children to be active whilst exploring and learning in a fun environment. For the YMCA a soft play facility provides a great tool to help us achieve our charitable purposes, allowing children and young people to develop in body, mind and spirit. Soft play is not simply an activity that produces a financial return that can be reinvested in core activities but rather it is a new core acitivity of its own. The benefits of soft play are: Research has shown that children who are regularly involved in active play develop well on many levels, including physical, emotional, mental and social. Where baby gym mostly focuses on organised activities and interaction, the idea behind soft play is for children to use their imagination and get involved in www.myfairlondon.org.uk. This is a great book that helps you understand why inequality is the burning issue of our age please visit their  website and download for free the booklet and please share with your friends. ]]>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:50:30 GMTWe've launched ‘Vicar’s Vitality’; a campaign designed to support local Church leaders by giving them easy access to fitness facilities. As a charity established by church leaders over 150 years ago, YMCA LSW’s CEO, Richard James, explained that they were keen to support those who, according to an article in the New York Times now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most groups in society. “The New York Times article concerned us. And looking at our local church leaders we discovered that of the 100 on our database, seven had been signed off for long term sickness in recent years and months". We FoundIn researching this campaign YMCA LSW discovered: Only 1 in 20 people are actually doing the right kind of activity they need Obesity is responsible for 9,000 premature deaths a y... ]]>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:31:49 GMT Thank you to everyone who took part in the YMCA World Challenge this weekend. We had 1,965 people taking their shot at our basketball hoops in Kingston and Wimbledon, including YMCA England CEO Ian Green and the Mayor of Merton. The YMCA World Challenge team are totting up the total number of people who took part from 70 countries around the world and hope to release the official global tally by 31st October (find out more here). You can have a look at our photos from the day on our facebook page and also take a look at photos from events around the world Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:44:57 GMT ]]>Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:50:39 GMT ]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:35:25 GMT At such a time there is nothing more appropriate than the oft quoted hebrew proverb:  'Say not in grief '(s)he is no more' but live in thankfulness that (s)he was'  ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:53:01 GMTThe Pod includes a Multi-Sensory room situated to the rear of the soft play area. Its purpose is to provide sensory stimulation through specialised lighting, visuals, textures and audio which together provide a calming space for children and young people. With its bubble mirrors, laser star projector, bubble tube and infinity tunnel, the room is an exciting and fascinating experience for children with and without additional needs. Opening TimesThe Multi-Sensory Room is open to all from 10.30am to 12.30pm, every day. It is not open for parties unless by prior arrangement. The space is available to hire and can be opened for groups with additional needs outside of these hours. To book or for more info, please contact Cathryn White, Children's Services Manager on 020 8296 9747 or email cathrynwh... ]]>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:17:39 GMT Your child will have a birthday to remember at The Pod. Time to play, run, climb, explore, swing, and have adventures with up to 60 of their friends. And after they have worked up an appetite, hungry partygoers can sit down to a yummy birthday feast. There are menu options that will appeal to everyone, while adults are well catered for at Canteen, our riverside café bar. Best of all, we do all the clearing up afterwards! Pod parties include either non exclusive or exclusive use of the soft play facilities depending on the chosen time slot. Non-exclusive use means that partygoers will join in with the general soft play sessions. Pod Party with non-exclusive use of soft play Non-exclusive use Pod parties include one hour of play in The Pod follow... ]]>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:12:39 GMTThe Pod offers 10% discount to groups such as Brownies, Cubs, schools, nurseries, afterschool clubs, holiday playschemes, churches and charities (plus other recognised groups). To qualify for discount, you’ll need to provide ‘proof of organisation’, such as a letterhead or group membership card for example.   You Need To Know: All groups must book in advance if bringing 8 or more children Group size must not exceed 25 (private hire is available for larger groups, see below) Please ensure there are enough adults to supervise your group safely. We recommend a ratio of 1:4 adults to children. Group bookings are subject to availability AdultsThe prices above include one free adult entry per paying child. Any additional adults are charged at Work on the multi-sensory room begins next week, as does the floor tiling, which will then be followed by the little finishing touches, like frosting and some signage. We’re all so desperate to have a go!    ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:14:32 GMT You need to know: The Pod is for children aged 11 and under All children must wear socks  Pre-booking is only available to groups of 8 children or more The Pod has a maximum capacity of 84 children During busy times, play will be limited to two hours Please ensure there are enough adults to supervise your group safely. We recommend a ratio of 1:4 adults to children.   Opening TimesThe Pod is open 7 days a week.  Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm). Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm (last entry 2.15pm). The Pod is open as no... ]]>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:58:47 GMTThe start of September is not usually a time of celebration for most teenagers. It signals the end of the school holidays and a return to early mornings and homework. But on Friday 7th September at YMCA Hawker Centre, 18 young people had the chance to reflect and celebrate a constructive summer at the Junior Leaders Celebration Evening. In front of family and friends, the young people were presented with their Certificates of Completion by YMCA LSW Chief Executive Richard James. The programme, which has been developed in a partnership between RBK’s Early Years and Childcare Service and YMCA London South West, gave the youngsters (aged 13 to 15) the chance to work alongside experienced staff members at one of YMCA LSW’s children’s summer camps as well as receive training in first aid, child protection and the principles of playwork, amongst other things. ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:11:44 GMT Medal winning Olympic Triathletes the Brownlee brothers, Jonathan and Alistair popped into Hampton Pool for a swim this week. In good spirits after a very successful London 2012, they enjoyed their swim, chatted with staff and posed for photos. We hope to see them again soon. ]]>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:45:47 GMT ]]>Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:19:45 GMTThe latest instalment of YMCA LSW's Olympic Experience is from Candice, on of our Sales and Membership Advisors. Below she reveals her sporty background, Olympic family history and explains how the Olympics inspired four generations in her family: Candice's Story  The buzzer goes off and for once I don’t hit snooze, and I don’t mind a bit that its 5:30am and I’m not a morning person or that the weather is miserable AGAIN, the reason… today is the day that I finally make it to the Olympics.   My Olympic adventure started like many of us few days before in Kingston, I saw the Torch in Hook and the following day we got to see it again at Hampton Court. This turned out to be an emotional occasion for my Mum, as my Granddad was an Olympian and won the Bronze for Boxing in the 1924 Paris Olympics. He was also a Royal Brick Layer and in the 70’s was one of  a... ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:55:22 GMT On the August Bank Holiday weekend a group of residents, staff and volunteers went to (the extremely muddy) Greenbelt Festival. This is Marcus’ experience: Pre-GreenbeltWhen Amanda McWilliams first approached me about greenbelt I was slightly apprehensive because it wasn’t something I would usually involve myself in. Also it was a Christian festival and I don’t really consider myself to necessarily be religious in any respect. However, it did present me with an opportunity to do something new, meet new people and gain experience in stewarding festivals and so I accepted. I’d never been camping before and so Miss McWilliams ran a session in Tower Lodge so we could learn how to set up tents and give us general... ]]>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:46:18 GMTBalaclava Road Youth Club runs on Friday evenings during term time from 7pm to 9pm for over 13’s. There’s no set programme or schedule to the club which runs from Balaclava Road Baptist Church hall but we offer a space just to hang out. There’s a tuck shop on site, a pool table, table football and room to play other games or sports and we’re just a few minutes’ walk from Victoria Recreation Ground if we need more space. Occasionally we’ll run activities, or quizzes, or film nights but more often than not we just provide a free space for you and your friends to do what you want to do. ContactFor more information contact Anna: T: Work on our exciting newSoft Play Centre has begun. The main hall at YMCA Hawker Centre has been closed off, with the builders moving in to do their bits before House of Play install the two storey structure. In means all the Y+Fitness classes that use to take place in the hall have now moved into the brand new studio. New flooring, an air conditioning unit and floor to ceiling mirrors have transformed what used to be the bar area into our multi-purpose studio. All that’s left is for the frosting to go onto the windows, doors and panels separating the studio from the cafe.    Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:04:40 GMTMatthew has been living at the YMCA for 6 months. He recently returned from a nine day Cultural Exchange in Agon-Coutainville, France, for 'An Act of Reconciliation' which was funded by Youth In Action and held at the CORE Complex. Matthew told us all about it below: A Bit NervousClare (YMCA LSW’s Resident Participation Officer) told me about the exchange and asked if I wanted to go. I had to complete an application form and two weeks later had a phone interview with Southend YMCA (who arranged the trip). They told me after that I’d been accepted. I was a bit nervous before I went. I was told that I was going with a group of just English girls, so thought that I’d be on my own a lot but actually I made some good friendships with the French lads. We Started With An Apple and A PenThe first day was about team ... ]]>Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:03:18 GMTThe Olympic Opening Ceremony really set the tone for what was a special two weeks in London. One of our gym instructors at YMCA Wimbledon, Nati (far left) was lucky enough to be involved, dancing in the NHS scene. Below is her Olympic experience: Two AuditionsA friend of mine had already signed up to volunteer for the opening ceremony and my husband and I decided to volunteer too. I had to go to two auditions. The first at the start of February and then got a call back for another the following week, based more specifically on an actual role. There were about 400 people there and my audition was between 6pm and 9pm. We did a bit of dancing and some things a bit more theatrical; like pretending to put a coat on. Pulling up the sleeves, doing up the buttons etc all in an exaggerated and theatrical way. The second audition was similar and after I was told to wait for a confirmation that I&rsqu... ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 21:47:06 GMT Please do look at what Release are doing here and consider sponsoring them here ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:12:34 GMT ]]>Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:40:42 GMTI thought I would pass on an interesting project I learnt about on my recent visit to the YMCA World Urban Network Conference in Madrid. It concerns YMCA Calgary who are opening a new branch (nothing new there) however they are doing it as part of a new hospital development.  “YMCA Calgary is set to open the new Calgary Health Region’s South Health Campus in late 2012. This facility is intended to integrate wellness, health research and education into a clinical setting. The focus will be both on health and wellness as well as patient and community care in a state-of-the-art health facility. See more  “Wellness services and health promotion is another important pillar at the South Health Campus. The site will incorporate wellness principles into its services, programs and spaces to support people and communities with their well-being and healing. Partnerships between Alber... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:41:02 GMTIt’s fair to say that we’ve really got into the Olympic spirit. It’s been hard not too being so close to the action. YMCA Hawker Centre saw the torch pass twice, once on foot and once by boat. You could also see the torch from YMCA Surbiton’s doorstep and just round the corner Bradley Wiggins and the rest of the time trialist’s flew down Portsmouth Road on their way back Hampton Court Palace. And in Wimbledon, we had the glory of Olympic Gold and Silver thanks to Mr Murray and Ms Robson. From conversations with staff it seems the Olympic involvement at YMCA LSW has gone deeper than we realised. One of our Fitness Instructors performed in Danny Boyle’s fantastic opening ceremony, a number of staff are volunteering now and in the Paralympics at the end of the month and we’ve discovered a host of staff who in a past life competed at a national level in their chosen sport or who are related to... ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:35:10 GMTAt YMCA London South West, we have over 100 volunteers registered who work across most of our departments. There are many different reasons why people volunteer with us. Gaining experience, keeping busy, helping the community are just a few. Amie, a volunteer with the Marketing Department, met up with Saniya, who volunteers at YMCA Wimbledon, to find out her reasons: What do you do as a volunteer?I get involved in a few different things but mostly I volunteer as a Resident Participation Assistant and as Systems Support.  Residents Participation is a series of six sessions that teach residents vital life skills such as budgeting, cooking, employment, rehousing, resettlement and social skills. These sessions help the residents to develop some of the skills that they will need once they move on from the centre. I also take part in the ... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:04:41 GMTA new report published by the British Heart Foundation has concluded that around 5.3 million deaths globally each year are caused by inactivity. This equates to just under 10% of the 57 million deaths that occur each year. The report warns that physical inactivity can contribute to major diseases such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes and that these figures put the impact of a lack of exercise on par with the effect of cigarette smoking on public health. Meanwhile a separate report published by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee concludes that more needs to be done to make use of exercise based treatments and that there was compelling evidence that showed that physical activity can be used as part of treatment for a wide range of chronic diseases. The report further concludes that there is a lack of awareness and appropriate training for health professionals of the benefits of exercise based treatments and highlights the outcome of a... ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:09:58 GMT Parties at YMCA Wimbledon are held in the main Sports Hall, so there’s lots of room for games, running around and a full sized bouncy castle.   The hall may be booked for two hours on Saturday (normally between 10 am and 4pm) and Sunday afternoons (between 3.30 pm and 5pm). Suitable for under 5’s, the venue can accommodate up to 30 of the most energetic and lively party guests.  YMCA Wimbledon is ideal if you want to organise and run the party yourself, but don’t want to have to tidy up afterwards! A Space Playworker will make sure the room is set out with toys and soft play equipment (similar to the Ducks sessions) along with the bouncy castle. You are welcome to come in a short while before the part... ]]>Thu, 02 Aug 2012 16:42:49 GMT At YMCA Surbiton you can hire The Snug or Studio 2 for children's parties on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2.30 pm onwards. Ideal for the under 5’s, YMCA Surbiton is the perfect choice of venue if you want to organise and run the party yourself, but leave the tidying up to someone else! A Space Playworker will make sure the room is set out with toys and play equipment (as provided during our Toddlers Funtime sessions) along with a small bouncy castle. You are welcome to come in a short while before the party starts to decorate the room with your own balloons, table cloths, streamers, etc. Party food can be provided (The conversion of the old bar area into a new studio is progressing well. The room has been stripped back to the concrete floor and the ceiling tiles have been removed to allow the new sprung floor to be laid and the air-conditioning system to be installed. The area suddenly seems very much bigger and is beginning to look like a spacious and airy studio. Mariko Aruga, an illustrator we have worked with before at YMCA Surbiton Canteen, is working on some river themed motifs that will be incorporated in frosted modesty panels along the run of windows and doors that separate the new studio and the cafe. Her naive yet sophisticated style is perfect for the restaurant area which will be used by people of all ages. Also, we will install some canvas panels with illustrations that reflect local landmarks and the long history of the building. Watch this space!<... ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 18:00:52 GMTI have just returned from Madrid and the YMCA World Urban Network Conference (WUN). The WUN is the means by which Chief Executive's from across the World come together to be trained, share ideas, resources and developments. It is a place of encouragement, solidarity and inspiration for leaders who are responsible for both big and small Associations.... here are some of my highlights. The presentation by the CEO of the Egyptian YMCA talking about the role of his Association during the revolution last year. During a moving presentation that started with a video showing young people being driven down in the street by the police and army tanks, he told numerous stories of hope where the YMCAs Christian and Muslim young people were helping set the agenda for the new Egypt. The presentation by the CEOs of Greater New York and Victoria (Australia). They outlined ambitious and challenging growth plans for their associations both in numbers of br... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:35:36 GMTWelcome to The Pod, the fun place for children to climb, jump, swing, stretch, wriggle, balance and bounce whatever the weather. Based at the YMCA Hawker Centre, The Pod is a two storey soft play installation open 7 days a week for play sessions, private hire and children's parties. With activities and equipment for all ages up to 11, babies, toddlers and children can be active, use their imaginations and let off steam in a fun, safe environment while parents enjoy a cappucino or a freshly toasted pa... ]]>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:14:17 GMT <... ]]>Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:15:03 GMTAs part of our Ofsted registration, there is certain information that we need to collect and hold on to about the children in our care. So we ask parents or guardians of every child who attends an afterschool club, breakfast club or holiday camp, no matter how often, to complete a registration form. We store this information in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998) and do not share it with any third parties. Registration FormYou can download a registration form below, which must then be returned to the Childcare Co-ordinator by email (click here for a list of contacts) or printed and handed to them. Also available to download is a full list of terms and conditions. The registration form asks you to confirm that you have read and fully understood these. Please contact the Childcare Co-ordinator if you have any questions. Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:51:30 GMTWhat’s the secret of a good Chilli Con Carne? Our Head of Catering, Jules, shares his rather surprising secret ingredient: I love a good Chilli Con Carne. But what gives it that little bit extra? Is it using fresh chilli’s? Is it using a good quality locally sourced mince? Or making your own tomato sauce? All of these will obviously improve the dish but in my opinion the secret is chocolate. Add a small amount of a good quality chocolate near the end of cooking. It really make all the difference! ]]>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 07:13:01 GMT Young people in Merton celebrated the end of their School year at Music Room’s Prom Night this weekend, with performances from four bands and a DJ, all of whom were aged 13 to 18. Dressed in suits, frocks and gowns, the audience witnessed brilliant performances from Tempted, Water for Boats, Grand Masters and Crystal Whites before Jordan Timms finished the night with a DJ set. The Music Room gig nights take place every month and encourage young people not only to perform but get involved with stage management, photography, video and front of house. External funding is vital to so many of the projects we run. Grants and trusts subsidise Sports Room, resident drama workshops and ballet classes for young women that encourage a more active lifestyle. As you can imagine, our Fundraising Grants Officer submits a lot of funding applications and has picked up a lot of tips and techniques along the way. We would now like to pass on this knowledge to other organisations via a practical and affordable workshop. When putting a bid together, you need a well structured and focused plan. You also need to be adaptable. There are a lot of funding sources out there but you need to be ready and prepared to adapt your programme in order to be eligible and for your application to stand out.  <... ]]>Sat, 15 Sep 2012 14:42:12 GMTAfter years of build-up, the London 2012 Olympic Games are now just a week away. At YMCA LSW we’re really excited. We’ve been reading about the Opening Ceremony, desperately tried to get some tickets and been following the Flame as it makes its way around the country. On Tuesday 24th July, the Olympic Flame will pass both YMCA Surbiton and YMCA Hawker Centre and once it enters Richmond, will be handed to a familiar face. Keith Haworth, Chairman of the Stragglers Running Club which bases itself at YMCA Hawker Centre on its Club Night, is one of 8,000 inspirational people nominated to be an Olympic Torchbearer.   We met up with him to find out what being nominated meant to him, his favourite Olympic moment and a bit more about the Stragglers: It’s ... ]]>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:08:47 GMT Faith in ActionDNA is a Christian charity that works in partnership with faith organisations to provide young people with a life-altering year that builds character, work skills and understanding. More than work experience, it is risky, radical, life changing, and often described by participants as the 'best and hardest year of my life'. Website: www.dna-uk.org ]]>Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:59:28 GMTDNA is a Christian organisation that works mostly (but not exclusively) with young people to develop leadership, understanding, skills development and character. Working in partnership with like-minded faith organisations such as YMCA LSW, it provides challenging, useful and fruitful placements in a wide variety of settings.  Far more than an extended work experience opportunity, participants often describe their 11 month placements as “the best and hardest year of my life". As a DNA partner, YMCA has welcomed several students into both its Youth and Chaplaincy teams. And both sides have benefited hugely from the experience. If you would like to find out more about DNA, either as a potential student or partner organisation, more information may be found on their website. In the meantime, here is what DNA student Maddy had to say about her time at the YMCA: Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:01:11 GMTIf you have visited the YMCA Hawker Centre this week you will have noticed that the refurbishment is well underway. The old bar area floor has been taken up and new storage cupboards installed. The new sprung floor is about to be laid and the bar remodelled. The windows and doors adjacent to the cafe and the exterior walkway will be semi-frosted to give class participants privacy while keeping as much natural light as possible. When the studio is complete, work will move on to the cafe and restaurant area. This means that the kitchen will close for approximately one week from 1st August. Drinks and snacks will still be available at the counter. It's great to see the project underway and we can't wait to see the end result! ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:56:56 GMT A little over 140 years ago the Kingston YMCA had its own football team. Even before Association rules were introduced the YMCA in South West London has its own team playing the likes of Ditton Harriers in exchange matches of rugby and football. Yet looking through the minutes of that time I discovered that a debate was held amongst the trustees of the organisation - this debate concerned the nature of football and whether it truly was a game for gentleman. The conclusion of the 19th Century trustees was that the YMCA should stop running football clubs as it was too violent a game! The YMCA pulled out of the football team, the management team of... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:41:54 GMT Charity: We are here for good, to make a difference in the lives of the community and in particular to look out for those who are in need of extra support and encoragement so that they can live life to the full. We ask people to join with us, fundraise, give and take part in helping our values be realised.  Commercial: We are a social enterprise, using the proceeds of our operations to fund the work we do and to create the opportunity for growth and expansion. We rely on people chosing to spend positively by visiting the YMCA Gym, cafe or children's work. In this way we are not any different to our commerical rivals, we too expect high standards, best practice and delivery of a quality service. The difference is that the money we make doesnt go to pay bonuses or shareholders, rather it goes back into supporting the people who need it most.&nb... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:08:34 GMT Thanks to funding from Pro Active South, the latest craze in fitness is coming to YMCA Wimbledon. Cheerobics classes will start on Tuesday 24th July from 7pm and cost just £12 for the six week course. Cheerobics is a unique fitness programme that combines cheerleading and aerobics, using pompoms! Aimed at all fitness and skill levels, it's designed to improve all aspects of fitness whilst taking part in an exhilarating activity, burning up to 700 calories per session. The class was recently featured on Daybreak, with rave reviews: <... ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:02:34 GMT ]]>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:10:25 GMTDunford House. Each year we have gone away for one night to discuss, plan and reflect on what we do, what we can improve and where we need to seek to be growing. This year with the support of YMCA England we were looking at the implications of our commissioning culture as well as the need for close performance and risk management. What was clear to us is whilst there seems to be numerous opportunities for us to grow and develop at present, what we need to be clear about is that we only chose that where we feel we can make a difference, where we can offer a legacy and an impact beyond the life of the contract. Government policy will change and this season's Big Society will become next season's even better agenda. However, what we at the YMCA offer is something that goes beyond party political initiatives and ... ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:21:18 GMTStaff at YMCA LSW spent time away from desks, gyms and canteen tills on Wednesday 4th July to throw wellies, play rounders and race tandems at a Staff Sports Day. Winning 'athletes' were awarded chocolate medals, as our Chief Executive Richard James models below. He climbed the winners podium three times after three impressive victories, although rumours were rife that other competitors allowed him to win. Click on Richard’s picture below to visit our Facebook page and look through other photos from the day: ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:53:57 GMTThis year will be my fourth year of taking part in the junior leadership scheme. The first year I took part in the scheme, my eyes were opened to the different aspects of working with children and what it actually took, which included learning about issues like risky play, child protection, inclusion, and first aid.   As well as learning about playwork it is also a great opportunity to meet new friends, learn about teamwork and helps with your confidence when meeting new people. All of the staff that I have worked with have been a great help and do all that they can to make you feel welcome and help you with playwork. The celebration evening is also a great experience for all of us, and gives us the opportunity to showcase all of our work over the 2 weeks. I have loved my time with the Junior Leaders which is why I volunteer to take part year after year. My next step is to be employed by the YMCA as a pla... ]]>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 06:42:25 GMT Two of our children’s classes at YMCA Surbiton have been voted by Netmum.com members as their ‘Favourite Preschool Classes in Kingston’, with Yo Baby! scooping the top prize and Story Storks picking up a bronze award. The Yo Baby! pre-school music & movement class introduces babies and toddlers to music, percussion and songs from around the world. It beat off competition from dozens of other classes in the area – and will be listed as the area’s best on the Netmums website. Shirley, who runs the class every Thursday morning, said: “I’m delighted my class has been crowned the best in the Kingston area. I set ... ]]>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:32:32 GMT You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mg8bDi4Ao4 Shani Anderson-Cambell is one of our project workers in Merton. She recently returned from an event bringing together YMCA workers from across Europe. This is the video they made - it is called, I have Done my Part, Have you? ]]>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:32:16 GMT YMCA Surbiton celebrated the launch of its newly refurbished and equipped gym on Friday with the help of twice World Champion boxer Tim Witherspoon. A long time supporter of the YMCA both here and back in his hometown of Philadelphia, Tim tried out some of the new equipment, chatted with gym members and guests before cutting the ribbon to officially open the gym. A frequent visitor to England on trips to visit his daughter, Shania London Witherspoon, Tim often stays at YMCA Surbiton working out in the gym and using the café. “I stayed here once when my people couldn’t find me a hotel room. I liked the atmosphere. The staff are brilliant, lots of smiles for everyone and help for the people who are here trying to move forward with their lives. The YMCA did a lot for me when I was growing u... ]]>Sun, 23 Sep 2012 00:34:50 GMTYMCA England have circulated news of this new funding stream which can be used to help start businesses for young entrepreneurs. See below for more information....  The Government has launched an £82.5 million StartUp Loan scheme which aims to provide finance and support to potentially start over 30,000 new businesses. Launched by the Prime Minister, young people aged 18-24 accessing the StartUp Loans can expect to receive expert and personal support to help develop a business plan and access training. Where the business plan is robust and approved, they will be able to access financial support in the form of a loan typically in the order of £2,500 with a repayment period of up to five years. StartUp loans will be administered by a range of organisations that have experience in working with young people. Sun, 12 Aug 2012 14:36:01 GMTRefurbishment of the Surbiton Y+ gym is nearing completion with delivery and installation of the new Precor equipment planned for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week (w/c 25th June).The schedule has changed slightly in that the Cardiovascular Room will reopen a day earlier than planned. You will be able to use the new facilities in this room from Tuesday 26th June onwards. The Resistance Room will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday as planned, but work may spill over to Thursday. We will keep you informed via Facebook, Twitter, notices and of course, this blog. We will run some extra classes on the Tuesday, so there's no excuse not to keep active! Download the updated timetable hereY:Cube Housing is a new initiative conceived to address the significant demand for affordable, self-contained accommodation for single people and couples. The 26sq metre, high-quality, two room flat comes with a lounge with a fitted galley kitchen and a double bedroom with an ensuite toilet and shower. Each unit has its own front door, as well as its own metered heating and water system. Who Is It For?Y:Cube Housing is ideally suited for move on accommodation for single people or couples who have previously been accommodated in hostels/foyers and other temporary housing schemes. There are other applications for Y:Cube Housing that include providing accommodation for key workers and students. Y:Cube provides a genuine, affordable alternative to the private rented sector. As one centre finishes so another's refurbishment starts. At the start of July we aim to have contractors on Site in Hawker, their job will be to put in a new dance studio, refresh and renew the canteen and bar before making way for the Soft Play providor. With this facility open in October attention will then turn to the gym equipment upgrade at Hawker which we expect to be in place sometime over th... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:30:44 GMT Our summer promotion of 30 days Y+ Fitness membership for just £30 is back until the end of August. So if you’ve been inspired to get active and healthy by what promises to be a really special year, now is the perfect time to find out if Y+ Fitness is the place for you; with no commitment. The OfferThe 30 days membership includes unlimited access to our fitness, dance, sport and exercise classes (we run over 50 a week, including Pilates, Studio Cycling and Zumba) and free access to our The Cardiovascular Room and the Resistance Room will be closed for a short period so that we can redecorate and install brand new Precor equipment with integrated media/TV. Closures have been kept to a minimum, so while one room is unavailable you can use the other or you can join us at Victoria Recreation Grounds (also known as Balaclava Park) for some special outdoor classes. On Tuesday 26th there will also be some extra classes running in the Resistance Room(which will be empty of equipment). Indoor and outdoor classes will include: •Bootcamp •Circuit Mix •30 Minute Walk/Run •Walk & Tone Studio classes will run as usual. Click here to download an updated timetable ... ]]>Sat, 22 Sep 2012 22:05:57 GMT We’re really excited to share our proposed plans for developing YMCA Hawker Centre. We’ve been managing the site for 10 years in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kingston and it’s been a key hub for our work with all members of the community. We’ve agreed in principle a 25 year lease with the council and over the next 18 months we intend to invest over £400,000 in several phases of work ensure YMCA Hawker Centre realises its potential. Work is planned to start at the beginning of July. Keep reading for a summary of what’s planned and how you can keep up-to-date with our progress. If you want to read full details of the project, click the icon below: Over the next few months we'll be making some dramatic and positive improvements to the buildings, facilities and services of both YMCA Surbiton and YMCA Hawker Centre. These improvements will benefit all user groups whether they are gym users, group exercise participants, parents and children or café diners.  Our vision is for our Centres to realise their potential and for members and users to enjoy the best possible facilities that meets their needs. We will keep you informed of works and aim to keep disruption to a minimum. If and when we have to close areas for short periods, alternative activities and facilities will be offered both on site and at alternative YMCA LSW Centres. Below is a summary of the improvements, with links to our development blog, further info... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:49:30 GMTWe’re starting work on our most ambitious gym upgrade to date, with brand new equipment and full redecoration. Work will be taking place throughout June, with the grand re-opening on Friday 29th June. New EquipmentWe’re replacing all of our gym machines with brand new, up-to-date equipment from Precor and adding in some new pieces too, like an Adaptive Motion Trainer, an Upper Body Ergometer and a Seated Inner-Outer Thigh Machine. All the new cardio equipment will be IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative) accredited and come with built-in cardio theatre, many with built-in TV’s. When all is done, we will have 32 pieces of cardio equipment, 16 pieces of strength equipment, 16 new spinning bikes and the free weights will range from 2.5kg to 50kg dumbbells and 10kg to 50kg set bars. Thanks to Banquet Records we took over one of the rooms in Kingston nightclub, the Hippodrome to host Band Night, a charity gig raising money for YouFund; our dedicated pot of money for everything we do with young people in our community. Glo, featuring our Head of Y+Fitness for Kingston (pictured below) opened the evening, followed by Jump The Gun (who have previously played at the O2 for Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds official aftershow party), Omar Khan and You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG_c43rPVQ8 Find out how you can perform in the biggest dance event in Kingston. If you are a Y+ Fitness dance class regular or have in interest in dance, you may want to join in the fun with a big flash-mob happening in Kingston. Protein Dance in partnership with RBK are recruiting participants for a dance event in Clarence Street (outside the Bentalls centre) on Saturday 16th June at 3pm. Rehearsals will take place on Sat 9 or Sun 10th June at 10am at Kingston College’s Arthur Cotterell Theatre, Kingston Hall Road, KT1 2AQ (through main college entrance). F... ]]>Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:37:35 GMTWe include access to our Get Started programme for free with all our memberships. It’s a series of one-to-one appointments with a Y+ Fitness instructor, designed to get your exercise programme off to the best possible start and make sure you achieve your fitness goals; whatever they may be. It consists of 5 steps: 1) Health ProfileTogether, we draw up your Health Profile. A Y+ Instructor will help you set some goals and create a programme that will allow you to achieve them. We’ll also take your measurements and other statistics so you can see your hard work paying off. 2) Personal Exercise ProgrammeYour instructor will take you through your Personal Exercise Programme monitoring your use of each piece of equipment to make sure your technique is correct and safe. 3) Supervised WorkoutThe hard work begins. To g... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 12:17:19 GMT These are really exciting times at YMCA LSW. We have a number of projects and developments planned and underway, so have created this space to keep you up-to-date with all of them. Different people from across the Association will be contributing, telling you about developments at YMCA Hawker Centre; the gym refurbishment at YMCA Surbiton; a new housing initiative called Y:Cube and plans to re-develop YMCA Wimbledon. Over the next few years we’ll be investing a lot of money, a lot of time and a lot of efforts into these projects to move them forward. And ultimately, we’ll be better equipped to help others in our community move forward too. Be it gym user... ]]>Sun, 23 Sep 2012 23:44:55 GMT Yes. We do takeaway Fairtrade teas and speciality coffees. If you want your lunch to go, just ask and we'll pop it in a box for you. ]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:33:54 GMTYes. The signing up process should take less than 10 minutes after which you are free to use the gym or take a class. However, to get off to the best possible start, we do recommend booking the induction session that comes as part of the free Get Started Programme. ]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:33:32 GMTNo. Class places are reserved on a 'first come, first served' basis at Reception before the class starts.  ]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:33:14 GMT Yes. All classes are included in Y+ monthly and annual memberships. ]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:31:19 GMT Debbie Camp is YMCA LSW's Director of Corporate Services and Y+ Fitness. She has been with the YMCA for over 15 years starting out as a Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. Now a member of the YMCA's Senior Staff Team, Debbie oversees all of our fitness services. A regular runner, Debbie is currently training hard for this year's Berlin marathon. She walks the talk as far as nutrition is concerned, bringing homemade salads in each day for lunch. Known for her energy, enthusiasm and inability to sit still for more than 5 minutes, she's the right person to ask for advice on what to eat the night before a big race. Here is a link to one of Debbie's favourite, vegetarian, tried and tested, pre-marathon suppers: The sixth edition of Fit News is now available to download, featuring: Information on the Be Active gym challenge The power of green tea Trying Ballet or Boccia Classes Plus we tell you where the money from the January promotion has gone. ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:35:30 GMTTue, 08 May 2012 11:01:19 GMT  Why not try one of classes or come down and use the gym - keep fit and meet new people! DanceAbility A fun way of exercising, where you learn a variety of dances and get the chance to share your moves with us.   Line Dancing A friendly, fun class that’s a great way to keep fit, old west style!   Multisports Enjoy a variety of sports including badminton, indoor hockey, basketball and many more in a friendly and competitive environment – for teenagers and adults. Table Tennis Table Tennis is available upon request depending on availability. Please contact Reception fo... ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 11:14:32 GMTWhy not try one of classes or come down and use the gym - keep fit and meet new people!   DanceAbility A fun way of exercising, where you learn a variety of dances and get the chance to share your moves with us.   Line Dancing A friendly, fun class that’s a great way to keep fit, old west style!   Adult Multisports Enjoy a variety of sports including badminton, indoor hockey, basketball and many more in a friendly and competitive environment.   Gym Sessions The best way to shape up, combining an aerobic workout on toning-up exercises. Sessions are available Monday to Friday to... ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 11:12:20 GMT All Canteens at YMCA Wimbledon, YMCA Surbiton and YMCA Hawker Centre are very family friendly. There is plenty of space for buggies,special children’s menus and Canteen staff are happy to warm baby food on request.   At YMCA Hawker Centre there is an outdoor play area with a slide, sandpit and climbing ramp. There are benches nearby from which parents and carers can supervise while enjoying the lovely river views. ]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:31:01 GMT Yes, and everyone is very welcome. You do not have to be a member or use any of our other services to pop in for lunch or a quick coffee. Canteen at YMCA is just like any other cafe on the high street with one difference - all surpluses (profits) are used to fund YMCA LSW community projects. ]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:30:26 GMT A New Strategy NHS Kingston and the Royal Borough of Kingston are working jointly to develop a new Obesity & Physical Activity Strategy for Kingston. They have launched a survey aimed at finding out what is going well and which areas need improving.  The information gathered will be used to shape the new strategy and affect the way these services are supported and delivered in our Borough. Can you spare 10 minutes to complete the survey and add your opinion to the mix? Please click here to complete thesurvey before 25th May 2012 ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:35:21 GMTMusic is essential for any child’s development and all classes at our different centres are designed to nurture a lifetime love of music. Classes include: Monkey Music: A highly interactive class with action songs and rhymes, musical games and percussion instruments. Yo Baby: Children will learn a large repertoire of songs in different languages, develop rhythm and develop their confidence and singing voice. See timetables for more details. ]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 11:39:50 GMTEverybody knows that regular exercise is good for you. That much is obvious. But why is it? What does regular exercise actually do? One of our Y+ Instructors, Nick, outlines five reasons why we should regularly exercise: 1) Cardiovascular fitnessImproving your cardiovascular (CV) fitness will allow your body to: •    Maximize the amount of oxygen entering the lungs •    Improve the intake and transportation of oxygen into the bloodstream •    Increase the ability of the muscles to utilise the oxygen Examples of exercise to improve your CV fitness include simple things like walking, jogging or cycling. 2) Muscular strength and endurance Improving your muscular strength and endurance is important because: •    Resistance training is an important... ]]>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:09:50 GMTSorry. We're afraid online booking isn't available at the moment. To book your tickets, please call 020 8339 7301 or email candicedunne@ymcalsw.org. Alternatively you can book tickets from reception at any YMCA LSW centre. ]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:19:37 GMTThe next challenge we have for our gym members is ‘Be Active’; designed to get you working your whole body by taking advantage of everything Y+ Fitness has to offer. The challenge requires you to take part in five different types of exercise class (the price of which are included in all Y+ Fitness memberships) and complete five different gym based exercises. Challenge CardWhen you sign up, you’ll be given a Be Active Challenge Card, which you’ll need to get signed by a class instructor after every class and by a gym instructor after every exercise. When you’re done, hand the card back to reception and you’ll be put in a raffle along with all the other people who finished the challenge at your Y+ Fitness centre. From each centre, the first person drawn will win a Heart Rate Monitor donated by Precor. The second will win a <... ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:27:11 GMTTue, 17 Apr 2012 17:21:05 GMTTue, 17 Apr 2012 16:56:19 GMTMon, 16 Apr 2012 12:21:22 GMT After two weeks of bike riding, swimming, bowling and trips to the park, it’s time for the children from Space@Basement to head back to school. Despite the odd and unpredictable weather, we still made the most of the outdoors toasting marshmallows in the forest and splashing around at Hampton Pool. We can’t wait to do it all again in June! Click here for more details and on the picture below to see more photos from the Easter Camp on our Facebook page: Pro-Active South London’s Active Celebration programme, YMCA Wimbledon are running 8-week courses in ladies ballet and boccia this summer; with boccia being free and ballet just £1 a session. Under the Love2 and Able2 projects, Pro-Active South London aim to get more adults participating in sport and physical activity, improving their health and well-being.  Love2 Ladies BalletDesigned for beginners, this course will incorporate classical ballet techniques to develop posture, flexibility and muscle tone. The 8-week course, for ladies over 16, runs every Wednesday from 2nd May to 27th June, 12pm to 1pm. The course costs just £8, £1 per sessio... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:45:59 GMT ]]>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:47:04 GMTThe YMCA Hawker Centre played host to a very special guest over the Easter holiday. The Easter Bunny arrived with a big basket of eggs, which were quickly snaffled up by excited children attending the Space Holiday Camp. The fluffy big bunny wasn’t the only wildlife the children had seen that week as they had just returned from a trip to Drusilla’s Zoo famous for its ring-tailed, red bellied and black lemurs. YMCA Space run camps for ages 4 to 13 in venues across Kingston and Wimbledon during every school holiday. Details of the next camp may be found here. ]]>Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:46:09 GMTSorry. We're afraid online booking isn't available at the moment. To book your place on the camps, please contact: YMCA Hawker CentreCo-ordinator: Charlotte Tel: 020 8296 9747 Email: charlottedennis@ymcalsw.org YMCA WimbledonCo-ordinator: Becky Tel: 07767 383 236 Email: bbrannan@ymcalsw.org ]]>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:34:03 GMT   YMCA London South West is a charitable organisation that has served the local community since 1874. Over the years we’ve moved buildings and changed our name but we’ve always strived to achieve our vision of being:   “a Christian charity where people can come as they are; be met at their point of need and come to know life in all its fullness”. We work from four main centres, providing a range of services including supported housing, health and fitness (Y+ Fitness), childcare (Space), youth work (Room) and catering (Canteen). We are the largest provider of housing for the homeless in South West London and last year we helped and housed over 400 people, many as young as 16 years old. As wel... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 12:09:50 GMTread that here) and I hope that a few years time we will be celebrating a new set of achievements.  You can read the 2005- 10 report here  ]]>Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:24:41 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 14:14:07 GMTWe are able to offer young people under 18 the chance to volunteer with us and gain some valuable experience. Whether you need to find an organisation to spend a work with as part of your School year or College course, or whether you want to spend some of your holidays building up experience for your CV, we may be able to help.   Chloe’s StoryI started volunteering at YMCA since December 2011. I left college with the intention of going back next year to do a BTEC course in Health and Social Care. I turned to the YMCA for work experience in my chosen field. The YMCA have been amazing, they have given me a lot of confidence and made me feel part of the team. Since being here I have worked at lots of different projects in both the children and youth departments, which has been very rewarding. The YMCA has also been able to help me develop my knowledge by sending me on courses such a... ]]>Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:31:26 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 14:13:23 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:44:42 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:38:38 GMTOpen Room is facilitated by YMCA LSW and supported by local churches and Christian organisations. We provide youth workers for young people, who hang around Abbey Park and High Path Estate after leaving school. We listen to them, offer guidance and pray for them. We currently run on a Thursday afternoon between 3:30pm and 5:30pm and go out seeking to meet any practical and/or spiritual needs of the young people who engage with us. For more information speak to Anna MacShane, Head of Youth Work on 020 8339 7301 or email annamacshane@ymcalsw.org ]]>Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:25:40 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:37:35 GMTEvery two months, young people from local churches meet at Basement for Engage, a programme that focuses on Life, Faith and Future and looks at different topics from a Christian perspective. Engage is a free, informal event where you can relax, meet new people, listen to some great live music and chat about stuff that really matters to your Christian life. For more information speak to Anna MacShane, YMCA Youth Worker - annamacshane@ymcalsw.org ]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 16:42:49 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:36:40 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:36:18 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:35:51 GMTCommon Room is open on Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes from 12.30pm to 2.30pm Live Lounge Late is open on the last Thursday of every month from 7.30pm ]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 13:45:51 GMTLive Lounge in Kingston is a great place to chill out and listen to a range of live music. Free for all 11 to 19 year olds, Live Lounge is a late night café at the Basement that is open every last Thursday of the month. Come down and listen to some great live music whilst enjoying some fantastic food. If you’re a performer, why not take centre stage yourself? We’re always looking for individuals or bands who are under 18 years old – contact Anna MacShane for more details annamacshane@ymcalsw.org ]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 15:39:37 GMTCommon Room is a lunch time café that is open on Mondays and Tuesdays at the Basement in Kingston. The site, just opposite Tiffin Boys School and Kingston Grammar School opens from 12.30pm to 2.30pm for sandwiches, snacks and cold or hot drinks.  But it's not just good value food that Common Room offers. The Basement has plenty of space to chill out with friends or catch up on homework, plus with table football, pool, darts and free wifi there's plenty to keep you entertained. For more information speak to Anna MacShane, Head of Youth Work on 020 8339 7301 or email annamacshane@ymcalsw.org ]]>Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:55:34 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:34:12 GMTSports Room is a place to meet friends, relax after school and get active. The free sessions run every Thursday during the school term from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, for anyone aged 11 to 16, from the YMCA John Innes Youth Centre in Wimbledon. You can have a go at football, basketball, pool, dodge ball and plenty other sports; or if you’re not feeling particularly energetic there’s always the sofa area to just chill out and chat. ContactFor more information contact Paul: T: 07757 248 690 E: paulrook@ymcalsw.org ]]>Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:54:40 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:31:58 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:16:42 GMTOnce a month, the Basement in Kingston becomes the venue for Live Lounge, a gig night for 11 to 18 year olds to enjoy live music from performers of the same age. Bands and solo artists from different genres take to the stage in front of up to a 100 strong audience with the Basement’s dark but cosy feel creating a really intimate gig. The event is led by Room staff and volunteers, but couldn’t take place without the help of the young people. As well as performing, they are involved in all aspects of the nights, including booking the bands, assisting at the door and helping sell refreshments. Live Lounge offers young people the chance to hang out with friends on a Friday night, in a venue in the centre of Kingston that is safe, alcohol and drug free and staffed by reliable, trained youth workers. Want To Play?If you’re interested in performing at a Live Lounge gig, please Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:17:42 GMTTue, 08 May 2012 11:42:00 GMTThu, 05 Jul 2012 10:27:23 GMTJust around the corner from YMCA John Innes Centre is YMCA Wimbledon, based on the Broadway. The site has a well-equipped gym which young people can use at a discounted rate with the membership options below. Using The GymYoung people aged 13 to 16 who want to join a gym can at YMCA Wimbledon. Club 1316 offers teenagers a chance to exercise under supervision with qualified instructors on hand to ensure that equipment is used safely and that teenagers exercise at the correct intensity for their age.The sessions are available on a 'pay-as-you-go' basis. Find out more here. College and University students c... ]]>Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:40:41 GMTTue, 08 May 2012 11:41:25 GMTThe YMCA John Innes Centre is home to our Room projects in Wimbledon. During term time, Sports Room and Music Room both run from the centre and on site is a rehearsal and recording studio for bands and performers aged 11 to 18. What Goes On Here? Sports Room; a place to meet friends, relax after school and get active Music Room Workshops; a place for anyone of secondary school age to have a go on a new instrument, try a bit of DJing or simply hang out after school Music Room Gigs; monthly gig nights run for young people, b... ]]>Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:09:37 GMTYMCA Hawker Centre, on the river in Kingston, is an ideal place for young people who want to get active, hang out with friends or try something new. Using The GymYoung people aged 13 to 16 who want to join a gym can at YMCA Hawker Centre. Club 1316 offers teenagers a chance to exercise under supervision with qualified instructors on hand to ensure that equipment is used safely and that teenagers exercise at the correct intensity for their age.The sessions are available on a 'pay-as-you-go' basis. Find out more here. College and University students can still take advantage of discounted gym membership fo... ]]>Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:41:49 GMTThe Basement is a cafe, a music venue, a WiFi hotspot and a safe, alcohol and free, space for 11 to 19 year olds. The youth centre is in the heart of Kingston, in the Basement of John Bunyan Church, just opposite Tiffin Boys School; so is rather aptly named. What Goes On Here?The Basement is home to a number of Room’s youth projects, including: Live Lounge; a gig night for 11 to 18 year olds Common Room; a lunchtime café Engage<... ]]>Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:06:14 GMTYMCA London South West is a charitable organisation that has served the local community since 1874. Over the years we’ve moved buildings and changed our name but we’ve always strived to achieve our vision of being:   “a Christian charity where people can come as they are; be met at their point of need and come to know life in all its fullness”. We work from four main centres, providing a range of services including supported housing, health and fitness (Y+ Fitness), childcare (Space), youth work (Room) and catering (Canteen). We are the largest provider of housing for the homeless in South West London and last year we helped and housed over 400 people, many as young as 16 years old. As well as providing accommodation, we run a number of extra programmes, activities and courses that make a real difference. Programmes... ]]>Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:01:45 GMTTue, 27 Mar 2012 13:11:23 GMTIf you type ‘youth work’ into the all-knowing Wikipedia, one name stands out. YMCA. The YMCA was set up by George Williams. His goal was to create an organisation that catered for the spiritual and emotional needs, as well as the physical needs of young men. Today, we are open to men and women and there are hundreds of YMCA’s all over the world, working in many different areas. But our work with young people is still just as important as when George Williams first started his mission. Through dance, sport and music we provide opportunities for young people to be creative, to learn an instrument or just a space to play football with friends. Getting Young People InvolvedThroughout all we do, we encourage the young people’s involvement as much as possible. This is probably most evident at Music Rooms gig nights, week take place once a month. A group of young people tak... ]]>Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:53:19 GMTI am writing this blog post having just completed my preparations for a Board meeting this evening. For a lot of people, heading to a charity Board meeting can be an exercise in clock watching and yet I am pleased to say that our Board is certainly not a boring Board.    We are very privileged to have a willing, able and committed Board at YMCA London South West. They meet around 10 times a year as a group and bring with them a wealth of experience and skills. From Risk Analysists to Accountants and Youth work trainers to NHS Managers and journalists I feel reassured as Chief Executive that they are giving full scrutiny to the matters being presented.  And yet for them being a Board member is a somewhat strange task for they need to be informed and interested in what we do and yet to removed and respectful of the officers who are employed to run the association. Their challenge is to be informed yet detached to be able to inform others what is going... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:02:37 GMTWed, 25 Apr 2012 16:17:50 GMTWe’re really excited to announce that YMCA Hawker Centre will be home to a brand new, state-of-the-art, soft play centre. We’re converting the main hall into a two story, 176 sq metre cave of slides, cannons, ball pits, bash bags and rope bridges, which can accommodate up to 125 children aged 6 months to 11 years old. We have agreed a new 25 year lease for YMCA Hawker Centre with the Royal Borough of Kingston and the development work will start shortly. As well as converting the hall, we’re also going to be developing other areas of the centre; including a new studio. The soft play area is being designed and built by a company called House of Play, who have been in the business for over 20 years. All their structures meet CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) and API standards. We consulted with parents who use the childcare facilities to get this far and will be asking a wider group as we come ... ]]>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:00:46 GMTFitness is essential at any age and you’re never too young to start! Our fitness classes are designed to stimulate growing minds and imaginations, as well as encouraging an early love of movement and exercise. Classes include: Zumbatomic:  Zumba for kids! Full of high energy, choreographed dance moves to music that all children love. Yoga Cubs: Yoga classes for children that teaches postures through stories and rhymes that are designed to improve balance, co-ordination and flexibility. See timetables for further details. ]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 11:23:15 GMTOur drama classes are full of excitement and imagination! Bring your child along for lots of fun and laughter and help improve concentration, boost self-confidence and develop social skills. Classes include: Story Storks: Bringing fairy tales to life through singing, dancing, music and acting. Theatrebugs: With a different theme each term, we squeeze lots of fun, games, drama, songs and dance into a jam packed class. Check out the timetables for further information. ]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 11:53:07 GMTWhether your child likes street dance, hip-hop or prefers to practice a more traditional pirouette, we’ll have a class to suit. Dancing is a great way of improving co-ordination, building confidence and getting active, with qualified instructors leading the way. Courses run throughout the week and on weekends for children aged three and up. Junior BalletOne of our most popular dance classes is Ballet, run at YMCA Hawker Centre and YMCA Surbiton, taught as a fun introduction, where older children can progress through graded lessons. Baby Ballet runs on a Wednesday and Thursday at YMCA Surbiton and on a Monday and Thursday at YMCA Hawker Centre. Other Dance ClassesFor a full list of classes, including other dance classes such as Tap and HipHop (taught at YMCA Surbiton) and Teen Energy (taught at YMCA Hawker Centre) c... ]]>Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:27:19 GMTTaking part in sporting activities is a great way of getting your child active, while giving them the chance to make friends and have lots of fun. We run a number of different classes and courses across all our sites where they can do just that. FootballAt YMCA Hawker Centre, Fulham Football run sessions every Saturday morning and during the school holidays. Saturday morning sessions run from 9.30am to 11am for 3 to 12 year olds. Please call 020 8296 9747 or email info.hawker@ymcalsw.org for more details. Holiday courses vary, so please visit the Fulham Football website for more details. TennisTennis courses and t... ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 17:01:04 GMT Toddlers FuntimeBIG fun for under 5’s! In this parent supervised session, children have the freedom to explore a room full of toys, trikes, soft shapes, slides and a bouncy castle. See timetables for more details. Sports, Dance, Music and DramaWe run a huge variety of classes for children. Activities like tennis, ballet, Monkey Music, Zumbatonic and Theatre Bugs are all designed to get your children active, creative, engaging with others and most importantly, having fun. Check out the timetables for further details. ]]>Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:47:54 GMT Start Activity Age Room Cost MONDAY 9.30am Story Stork Actors 2 to 4 yrs Snug  - 10.15am Story Storks Singers 2 to 4 yrs Snug  - TUESDAY 9.30am Toddlers FuntimeMon, 25 Mar 2013 15:51:53 GMTThu, 22 Mar 2012 15:29:14 GMT * to book contact sarah@storystorks.co.uk / 07758 449 196 ** £7.50 pay as you go or £30 course (one term) For all other enquiries, please call Reception on 020 8296 9747 DownloadA PDF copy of YMCA Hawker Centre's childrens timetable may be downloaded here. For class descriptions, see the timetable download or click through to the activity type pages: DownloadA PDF copy of YMCA Wimbledon's childrens timetable may be downloaded here. For class descriptions, see the timetable download or click through to the activity type pages: Toddlers Sports Dance Tue, 08 May 2012 16:37:14 GMTTue, 08 May 2012 16:38:03 GMT“I like YMCA because you get to play and have loads of fun!” -  Elizabeth aged 8 “My son enjoys coming to the YMCA so much he does not want to leave. I have to wait for him as he wants to finish playing with his friends. Gracias for all your work”  Mrs Coppola (Parent) The YMCA After School Club is based at St John Fisher RC Primary School. The After School caters for ages 4 to 11, but all 4 year olds must be in Reception class to attend. The Club has access to many of the School's excellent facilities including a small sports hall, a playing field, football cage, two main rooms, an ICT suite and a kitchen. There is plenty of space for children to be active, creative or to make a start on homework before parents pick the... ]]>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:31:26 GMT“I feel safe in the knowledge that my son is collected from school by the YMCA Afterschool Club team, given a healthy snack and has a range of activities to choose from. If I ever arrive early to collect him, Lucas is disappointed that he has to leave. It means a lot to me that Lucas is safe and happy whilst I am at work.”  Andrea (Parent) The YMCA Surbiton collects children from two local schools and caters for 4 to 11 year olds. Convenient for Surbiton Station and on several bus routes, it is a popular choice for busy working parents who commute into London. The After School Club takes place in the upstairs studios. Activities are planned within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS) and include a mix of arts & crafts, imaginary play, cooking, board games and danceMon, 24 Dec 2012 11:12:03 GMT"YMCA After School has always been my son’s second home. Thank you all for looking after him and teaching him so many good things in the five years that he has been coming." quote from 'Thank You' card from parent The YMCA is conveniently located in the centre of Wimbledon, close to both the Northern and District lines and many bus routes. The After School Club caters for ages 4 to 11 and has three dedicated play rooms, a kitchen and access to a huge sports hall. With so much space, there is plenty of room for creative projects and active play. Although there is no on-site outdoor space, there are two local parks which we make good use of during good weather. We’ve been running childcare services at Wimbledon for many years. So many, that we now look after the children or previous After... ]]>Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:12:47 GMT“Our son started attending Playscheme at the age 5.  Since then, his confidence has grown tremendously and he has learned lots of new skills, particularly the ability (and the desire) to play chess, cooking, etc.  Laurence (Parent) The YMCA Hawker Centre collects children from two local schools (parents may also drop children off directly) and caters for 4 to 11 year olds. With ample parking and on several bus routes, it is a popular choice for busy working parents. The Centre has lots of indoor and outdoor space and offers a wide variety of creative and sporty activities. Facilities include: The Playpod Children’s room Tennis Football Basketball The Pod Soft Play Children’s Outdoor Play AreaTue, 08 Jan 2013 16:06:47 GMTIf your hectic schedule means you need childcare before school, then the Breakfast Club at YMCA Hawker Centre may be just what you’re looking for. Opening at 7.45am, the club is a safe, welcoming place for children aged 4 to 11 to play with friends, catch up with homework or relax before the day really gets going. We serve up a healthy breakfast of toast, cereal and juice, before dropping off your child(ren) at School, currently either Fernhill Primary School or St Agatha's Catholic School in Kingston. All our staff are Enhanced CRB checked and trained in First Aid. They receive an on-going programme of professional development working towards NVQ qualifications. Find Out MoreThe Breakfast Club costs just £5Tue, 08 May 2012 14:23:49 GMTSchool holidays can be a real challenge. How do you find a childcare solution that is affordable, that fits in with your working week and is above all, fun for your child? Space runs several day camps each and every school holiday across the Boroughs of Merton, Kingston upon Thames and at Hampton Pool. At Space children can try all sorts of new activities, challenges and sports. We are outside as much as possible making the most of the good weather, the extensive facilities of the YMCA and the partner schools we operate in, which include sports halls, football pitches, tennis and basketball courts and a swimming pool. All activities are child led and we try to mix things up as much as... ]]>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:50:18 GMTWant To Improve Your Cardio And Tone Up?Aerotone A high energy aerobics class followed by upper and lower body conditioning. Available at: YMCA Wimbledon Boxfit Non-contact boxing moves taught in a circuit class format. Available at: YMCA WimbledonYMCA Hawker CentreMon, 12 Nov 2012 10:33:11 GMTWant To Tone Up?Abs Blast / Workshop Flat abs take more than just crunches. So we developed a simple, time-efficient solution to give you the midsection you want. Available at: YMCA Surbiton YMCA Hawker Centre Body Conditioning This class combines exercises that focus on muscle strength and endurance of the whole body, including core muscles, and acts as a low level card... ]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:53:45 GMTWant To Do Something Sporty?Aikido   A gentle yet dynamic martial art, based on the principle of keeping mind and body co-ordinated. Available at: YMCA Wimbledon Football A competitive but friendly two hours of indoor football.  Available at: Want A Class Designed For Seniors?Classic Fitness / Fit4Life A gentle class for those who want to improve stamina and mobility through light aerobics, toning and relaxation. Available at: YMCA Surbiton YMCA Wimbledon YMCA Hawker Centre Gym and Tonic Supervised, safe and comfortable workouts in the gym. Great for overall flexibility and strength.... ]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:26:53 GMTWant To Unwind?Body Balance   A stretched based programme, combing moves from Tai Chi, Yoga and Pliates that will leave you feeling toned, relaxed and renewed. Available at: YMCA Surbiton YMCA Wimbledon YMCA Hawker Centre Gentle Exercise This class has been created for people of ... ]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:22:27 GMTThe most promising players from the Hawker junior tennis programme are chosen to represent the Hawker Jets in local competitions. Below, Nick tells us how the Jets got on in their latest tournament: How They Got On Our Hawker Jets Little League teams have been successful again in this Grade B winter competition. Both our teams qualified for Finals Day with 100% records, but had to really dig deep on several occasions. The U11’s made the grand final vs Byfleet, and after Gary Pitman won his singles,  Joseph Taylor clinched it with a tense singles win in a tie-breaker! The U10’s were edged out on Finals Day to finish in 3rd/4th spot out of the 8 finalists. That’s the 3rd consecutive year Hawker Jets have picked up one of the two Little League titles, and this year’s success takes Hawker Jets win ratio in all competitions to an insane 36 wins from 41 played (dating back to Jan... ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 11:18:42 GMTEvery Summer, YMCA Hawker Centre hosts a Junior Tennis Tournament for under 15’s. They’re always busy and well competed events, with 51 taking part in an impressive 64 matches last year. The tournament consists of different single and double events, some with age restrictions, some only for children who do courses at YMCA Hawker Centre and the rest open to all. Details of the 2012 Summer Tournament will appear here in June. ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 11:09:33 GMTIf you like a bit of competition, then our weekly club sessions are for you. The ‘pay as you go’ sessions run every Monday morning (during term time) and evening. We organise singles and doubles matches, with a bit of coaching too in the morning session. Monday Club NightsThese organised singles and doubles matches are for club level players. Times Price Max Players 7pm to 9pm       £6 per session    12 Monday Tennis MorningsRunning through School term times only, these sessions offer coaching and organised match play for club level players and improvers. Times... ]]>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:03:39 GMTEach of YMCA Hawker Centre’s three tennis courts can be hired out all year round; when not used for coaching. The floodlit courts are available for hire between 8am and 9pm during the week and from 8am to 8pm on weekends. Floodlights are switched off at 9pm sharp. Court hire is charged per person for an hours hire: Adult £5.00 Child (under 16)     £3.00 Racquets are available to hire free of charge. Please bring your own tennis balls. To BookTo book or for more information on group hire, please ask at Reception, call 020 8296 9747 or email. ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 11:15:26 GMTAt YMCA Hawker Centre we offer professional tennis coaching for players of all levels. Trevor Hughesman teaches group lessons for adult beginners and improvers on Tuesday evenings, as well as a Ladies Morning on Thursday. Both run as 5 or 6 week courses each side of half-term. The next courses start date the week commencing 25th February for 4 weeks: BeginnersPerfect for players new to tennis; you’ll learn all the basic shots and start to play games. Day Times Price Tuesday       7pm to 8pm £32 Wednesday    11am to 12noon   £32 ... ]]>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:44:09 GMT At the end of April, the Weight2Go programme is back at YMCA Wimbledon. The free ten week programme will help you lose weight and make healthier lifestyle choices. We run the course twice a week, on a Monday evening or Tuesday morning, so that it easily fits into your schedule. What Does The Course Cover?Weigh2Go is run by members of the Y+ Fitness team at YMCA Wimbledon who have been trained by the local NHS to deliver the course. It covers topics such as eating habits, understanding food labels, changing your eating behaviour and looks at changing and improving your physical activity levels. When Does It Start?Our Monday evening sessions start on 23rd Ap... ]]>Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:20:18 GMTMon, 19 Mar 2012 14:08:31 GMTMon, 19 Mar 2012 14:08:36 GMTWe’re confident that Y+ Fitness has everything you need from a gym, with good value, flexible memberships. A Y+ Fitness membership gives you unlimited use of our fully equipped gyms plus free access to all our classes; over 50 a week at each centre. Plus, we include free access to our Get Started Programme. Day PassWhy not try us out and see if Y+ Fitness is the gym for you? Download a day pass a bring along to your nearest Y+ Fitness centre. Terms and Conditions apply. Please ask at Reception for more details. ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 12:43:06 GMTMon, 19 Mar 2012 14:08:57 GMTY+ Fitness has a membership option to suit everyone. If you would like to use the gym or take part in a fitness class, but you don't want to pay on a monthly basis, why not use our 'pay as you go' option that is available at all our centres. Our fully air-conditioned gyms offer the latest cardio and resistance equipment as well as a wide selection of free weights. Classes include fitness, dance and sport and range from yoga and pilates to body pump and indoor cycling. No need to book - just turn up on the day. PricesFollow the link to your nearest Y+ Fitness for our Pay As You Go prices: YMCA Surbiton Fri, 18 May 2012 11:39:47 GMTMoney can be tight when you’re a student. It’s often hard to stretch the budget far enough to be able to afford a gym membership on top of everything else. But with Y+ Fitness you can as our student memberships offer you unlimited gym access and classes from less than £4 a week. Membership is available per term (4 months) or annually, which allows you to save even more. Plus, with an annual membership there's no joining fee (normally £25). And as with all our memberships, you get free access to our Get Started Programme. Try Us For Free See what we have to offer with a free day pass. You can download your's If you want to join a gym and know at least four work colleagues keen to do the same, why not join Y+ Fitness as a Corporate member? Whether you want to train for an event, lose a few pounds or shake off work stress in a lunch time class, joining as a group offers a significant saving. Y+ has everything you need to achieve your fitness goals for only £32 per month each (that’s a 20% saving every month when compared to an individual membership). Plus with no joining fee, you’ll save an extra £25. Corporate membership includes unlimited use of the gym, as well as fitness and dance classes – choose from Yoga, Pilates, Circuits or Zumba to list just a few. And, as with every membership, you'll get f... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 11:22:10 GMTIf you are registered disabled or have been referred to us by your GP, you can qualify for our Specialist membership rate. You get all the benefits of a full membership, including unlimited use of the gym and access to all classes, plus free access to our Get Started Programme. You can pay monthly or get two months free if you pay annually. A one-off joining fee is required for monthly memberships. Documentary proof is required to take out a Specialist Membership. PricesFollow the link to your nearest Y+ Fitness for our Specialist Membership prices: YMCA Surbiton YMCA Wi... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 11:44:49 GMTWe pride ourselves on having good value membership options to suit everyone. Our standard membership includes full use of the gym and unlimited access to our wide range of fitness, dance, sport and exercise classes; over 50 per week at each centre. Plus, as with all our membership options, you’ll get free access to our Get Started Programme. AnnualA year’s membership paid in full at the beginning of your time with us. It is the equivalent of 10 months, so you get two months for free if you commit for the year. Plus, we don’t charge a joining fee with Annual memberships, saving you even more. MonthlyMonthly memberships are paid on the 1st of each calendar month. DuoHave a friend or family member who also wants to join? With a duo membership you can save on your combined membership fees if you pay on one direct debit... ]]>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:57:13 GMTIFI users are welcome to use the centres on a Pay As You Go basis or by taking out a full inclusive membership. Before you start you must complete a physical activity readiness questionnaire. This is available at reception. If you would like an electronic version sent via email please contact Elyse Chilton.  Please note that a supporting letter from your GP may be necessary. Pay As You Go P.A.Y.G. Gym Pass (single)        £3.50 Group Gym Pass (up to 8 people)      Please call for details Tandem Rides £3.50 Inclusive Fitness Class&nbs... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 10:43:37 GMTAll our Inclusive Fitness prices are 'pay-as-you-go'. Before you start you must complete a physical activity readiness questionnaire. This is available at reception. If you would like an electronic version sent via email please contact Elyse Chilton.  Please note that a supporting letter from your GP may be necessary. P.A.Y.G Gym Pass (single) £2.50 Group Gym Pass (up to 8 people)      £20 Inclusive Fitness Class   £2.50 Regular Fitness Class* £6.70 *Other than the specialised IFI classes, we run a wide range of other fitness, dance and sport classes. Please click TIME CLASS WHERE WITH WHO MONDAY 11.00am Tandem Rides Outside Please book in advance 11.15am Line Dancing Studio 1 ... ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 10:53:54 GMT TIME ACTIVITY WHERE WITH WHO TUESDAY 11.00am Line Dancing Come and be part of our team! People volunteer with YMCA London South West for many reasons. Perhaps they are between jobs and want to keep busy while they look for another, perhaps they want to add some valuable work experience to their CV or perhaps they simply have some spare time and want to help others. Why not join our valued team of volunteers and become a Care Assistant? No previous experience is required and all volunteers will receive induction training.  All employees and volunteers at YMCA London South West are required to undergo an enhanced CRB check. Travel expenses are reimbursed and meals are provided while on duty. After a qualifying period and depending on hours worked, volunteers may also use the gym and Hampton Pool free of charge. ContactIf you would like more information about volunteering with YMCA LSW, please email Carers get free admission to the centre if they do not wish to work out. For Carers that would like to work out, concessionary rates apply. A mixed changing facility is available for those attending with their carer. If you require further information or have any queries, please contact Elyse, our Inclusive Activities Co-ordinator: T: 020 8439 7412 E: elysechilton@ymcalsw.org ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 10:47:10 GMTWhy not work out in the gym or take part in a sport, dance or fitness class? Our IFI sessions at YMCA Hawker Centre offer something for everyone, from working out in the gym, to yoga and basketball. Meet new people, have fun and get fit! GymThe gym, and whole centre, is fully IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative) accredited, meaning that they are fully accessible to and have specialised equipment for disabled people. It's located on the ground floor for easy access and is filled with all the cardio equipment, resistance equipment and free weights you need for an effective workout. Find out more here. If you'd like to book a gym session, either individually or as a g... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 10:51:54 GMTWhether you like sports, fitness or dance, our IFI sessions at YMCA Wimbledon offer something for everyone. Why not join one of our classes and try your hand at boccia or line dancing, or perhaps you'd rather work out in the gym with our latest equipment? Meet new people, get fit and have fun. GymThe gym, and whole centre, is fully IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative) accredited, meaning that they are fully accessible to and have specialised equipment for disabled people. It's located on the ground floor for easy access and is filled with all the cardio equipment, resistance equipment and free weights you need for an effective workout. Find out more here. If you'd like to book a gym session... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 10:24:12 GMTOur facilities at YMCA Hawker Centre and YMCA Wimbledon have each received accreditation from the Inclusive Fitness Initiative or IFI. IFI is a programme that “supports the fitness industry to become more inclusive, catering for the needs of disabled and non-disabled people alike”. To be accredited our facilities have to be fully accessible, we must provide equipment that can be used by everyone and our staff must be trained to IFI standards. For more information about the Inclusive Fitness Initiative, you can visit the English Federation of Disability Sport's website here. Football has been part of YMCA LSW for over 100 years. Did you know that Kingstonian FC, who currently play in the Ryman Premier Division, originally started out as a Kingston & Surbiton YMCA team back in 1896? Across our Centre’s we have courses and facilities suitable for all ages, whether you just fancy a kick about with friends or are looking for a venue for your team’s 11-a-side games. Football CoursesAt YMCA Hawker Centre, Fulham Football run sessions every Saturday morning and during the school holidays. Saturday morning sessions run from 9.30am to 11am for 3 to 12 year olds boys and girls. Please call 020 8296 9747 or email Bowling is good, gentle exercise, plus a great way to enjoy the summer and make new friends. We run sessions at both YMCA Hawker Centre and YMCA Wimbledon Outdoor BowlsThe YMCA Hawker Centre’s Bowls Club play on the centre’s outdoor green up until October and welcomes new faces with beginners particularly welcome!   They play: Tuesdays, 10am to 12.30pm Wednesday Evenings (Times by Arrangements) Thursdays, 2pm to 4.30pm Sessions charged on a pay as you go basis at £5.25 per session Indoor BowlsIndoor Mat Bowls is a popular smaller scale game that runs every Wednesday, at 1.15pm and Friday at 2.00pm in the centre’s sports hall. Sessions cost just A number of our facilities are available to hire, for groups, teams or individuals. Sport HallsThe sport halls and facilities at all our centres are available to hire, however we do run a busy timetable so availability is limited. Please contact the centre directly if you’d like to discuss availability further. YMCA Hawker Centre T: 020 8296 9747  E: info.hawker@ymcalsw.org YMCA Surbiton T: 020 8390 0148  E: info.surbiton@ymcalsw.org YMCA Wimbledon T: 020 8542 9055 ... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 13:57:35 GMTThe Poolside Gym at Hampton Pool can be found right next to the water, overlooking the tropically heated pool. Fully air-conditioned; it is full of cardio and resistance machines and free weights. To find out more about prices and everything else Hampton Pool has to offer, click here. ]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:45:54 GMTThe gym at YMCA Hawker Centre is at the front of the building, overlooking the large playing field and basketball courts. It is split into two parts; the weights area on the left and cardio area on the right. The weights area is full of the latest resistance machines and a range of varying sized free weights. There is also a matted space, ideal for stretching out properly before and after your work-out or for core exercises. The cardio area is made up of bikes, treadmills, cross-trainers, steppers and rowing machines; everything you need to get your heart pumping. The gym is equipped with TV’s and cardio theatre; so you can work-out to your favourite music or make sure you don’t miss your favourite show. And after, there’s space for you to relax in the steam room. The gym, and whole centre, is fully IFI (Inclusive Fitness Ini... ]]>Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:53:42 GMTThe gym at YMCA Wimbledon is on the ground floor, accessed at the back of the building. Fully air-conditioned, it has everything you need for an effective work-out. Cardio equipment, ranging from treadmills to cross-trainers, is at the rear of the gym, while resistance machines and free weights are at the front. A fully trained gym instructor will be on site during the gyms opening hours for you to ask advice or to help with your work-out, with their office located right next to the gym entrance.  The gym is equipped with TV’s and cardio theatre; so you can work-out to your favourite music or make sure you don’t miss your favourite show. And after, there’s space for you to relax in the steam room. The gym, and whole centre, is fully IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative... ]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 12:10:06 GMTOur fully air-conditioned gym at YMCA Surbiton is split into two sections on the first floor of the building. On the left is the weights area, full of the latest resistance machines and a range of varying sized free weights. On the right is the cardio area with all the equipment you need to get your heart pumping. There is also a designated mat space; ideal for stretching out properly before and after you exercise, or for core exercises.  The gym is equipped with TV’s and cardio theatre; so you can work-out to your favourite music or make sure you don’t miss your favourite show. And after, there’s space for you to relax in the sauna or steam room. A fully trained gym instructor will be on site during the gyms opening hours for you to ask advice, to help with your work-out or to have a quick chat ab... ]]>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:46:06 GMTMon, 05 Mar 2012 16:20:37 GMTIf you’re looking for a different way to explore Kingston and Richmond, get outside and have a laugh, we’d definitely recommend tandeming. It’s certainly one of our more unusual services but lots of fun. It’s also a great way to exercise and suitable for anyone. And we do mean anyone. Tandems may be hired at a reduced rate by the registered disabled and those on a low income using their Active Kingston card. Tandeming is very popular with people who have a visual impairment as a feeling of space and freedom can be enjoyed while riding safely as the ‘stroker’ on the back. Where To GoYMCA Hawker Centre is right by the Thames, so you can head off along the tow path to Richmond in one direction, Hampton Court or Weybridge in the other. If y... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 09:59:19 GMTWe run a number of sports classes across our centres, whether you want to get competitive, improve your technique or just try something new. At the YMCA Hawker Centre we run Tennis courses and pay as you go sessions for adult courses and hugely popular courses for children that run most days after school and during school holidays.  At YMCA Wimbledon on a Tuesday evening you can try your hand at Volleyball, a sport actually invented at Holyoke YMCA, Massachusetts in 1895.  We also run Karate, Aikido and Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:36:05 GMTAt YMCA Hawker Centre we love tennis! We run courses for children and adults of all abilities; we run club nights, ladies mornings, tournaments and our recently resurfaced, floodlit courts are available to hire all year round. We even have our own junior team, the Hawker Jets, who compete locally. Whatever your level of play, if you are serious about improving your game or just want to have a fun knockabout with friends, the YMCA Hawker Centre is a great place to play tennis. Find Out MoreJunior Courses Adult Courses Club Nights With all the running, jumping, lifting and stretching involved in playing sport and going to the gym, there is always the chance of injury and aches or pains. People of all ages and levels of fitness are susceptible to injury which can affect their work, social life and wellbeing. Whether you’re a gym member or not, YMCA Therapy can help. YMCA Hawker Centre and YMCA Surbiton both offer specialist treatment for injuries and conditions that affect muscles, joints and bones. Our therapists are members of the Association of Physical and Natural Therapists and the Sports Massage Association and adhere to their standards and guidelines. Common injuries that can be treated include: - Sciatic/leg pain - Repetitive strain injury (RSI) - Sports injuries - Ankle/heel/Achilles pain - Frozen shoulder - P... ]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:50:39 GMTSometimes we all need a push, a little encouragement and a bit of extra motivation. No matter whether your fitness goals are the same as they always have been, or have recently changed, personal training is a great way to make sure you achieve them. Together, you and your trainer will set realistic targets. He or she will then guide and encourage you to achieve them in the fastest possible time. Perhaps you want to lose weight, regain fitness after an injury or illness or get back into shape after having a baby. Your trainer will measure your progress and keep challenging you. When working out alone or with friends, it's easy to slip into a routine, but the best results are achieved by mixing things up and varying your workout. Your Y+ trainer will use their professional knowledge and experience to keep your sessions effective and fun, ensuring you get the most out of your time in the gym. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:30:13 GMTTue, 15 May 2012 14:17:18 GMTGetting fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not all about pumping weights and pounding the treadmill. That doesn’t suit everyone. But you’re sure to find something that does suit you with in our wide range of fitness, dance and sport classes; over 150 a week across all our centres. We have classic classes like Pilates; classes that are all the rage like Zumba and classes that are a little unusual like Bollywood.  New classes start regularly, so there’s always the opportunity to try something different. Class TimetablesFor a full list of class timetables, follow the links below: YMCA Hawker CentreMon, 21 Jan 2013 09:55:15 GMTTue, 15 May 2012 14:09:43 GMTTue, 01 May 2012 14:55:35 GMTWed, 25 Apr 2012 14:09:22 GMTWed, 25 Apr 2012 14:07:43 GMTNormal Opening Times (Y+ Wimbledon) DAY OPEN CLOSE LAST ENTRY Monday 6.30 am 10 pm 9.30 pm Tuesday 6.30 amThu, 25 Apr 2013 20:56:27 GMTNormal Opening Times (Y+ Hawker Centre) DAY OPEN CLOSE LAST ENTRY Monday 6 am 10 pm 9.30 pm Tuesday 6 am... ]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:58:40 GMTNormal Opening Times (Y+ Surbiton) ... ]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:56:50 GMTWe have a number of membership options, with a range of benefits (click through the links to find out more). Or if you prefer, you can simply ‘Pay As You Go’. So no matter when, how often or for how long you want to exercise, we’ll have an option to suit you. All memberships come with free access to the Get Started Programme, where in five-steps we’ll make sure you get the most from your workout by setting goals, developing a personalised programme, motivating you with personal training sessions and by giving you nutritional advice along the way.   Our membership prices also include free access to a huge range of fitness, sport and dance classes, over 50 a week at YMCA Hawker Centre, including Zumba and Indoor Cycling (see the timetable We have a number of membership options, with a range of benefits (click through the links to find out more). Or if you prefer, you can simply ‘Pay As You Go’. So no matter when, how often or for how long you want to exercise, we’ll have an option to suit you. All memberships come with free access to the Get Started Programme, where in five-steps we’ll make sure you get the most from your workout by setting goals, developing a personalised programme, motivating you with personal training sessions and by giving you nutritional advice along the way.   Our membership prices also include free access to a huge range of fitness, sport and dance classes, over 50 a week at YMCA Surbiton, including Zumba and Indo... ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 14:07:44 GMT DAY OPEN CLOSE LAST ENTRY Monday 6 am 10 pm 9.30 pm Tuesday 6 am TIME CLASS LEVEL INSTRUCTOR MONDAY 9.30 am Legs, Bums & Tums All Ainara 9.... ]]>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:10:32 GMT TIME CLASS LEVEL INSTRUCTOR MONDAY 9.30am Body Pump Int Nicky 10.45am ... ]]>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:33:47 GMT Fri, 17 May 2013 09:32:26 GMTAddress Lower Ham Road, Kingston, Surrey KT2 5BH Telephone: 020 8296 9747 Email: info.hawker@ymcalsw.org What Can You Do Here Health & Fitness Y+ Facilities and Services Sports Disability Sports and Fitness Community Fitness Children's Work Holiday Camps Breakfast Club Want To Dance?Ballroom    A timeless classic. Ballroom dancing is a great, social way to stay active. No partners required and no Strictly style judging. Available at: YMCA Wimbledon Bollywood   A new and vibrant way to keep fit with a fusion of Asian and modern jazz. An exhilarating and lively class that will infuse an energy buzz. Available at: Want To Improve Your Cardio?100% Aerobic     A great fat burning aerobic work-out that’s easy to follow, designed to shape and tone bottom and thighs. Available at: YMCA Surbiton 100% Step A mixed intensity of moves using a step, which as well as improving cardio, offers flexibility training that can help joint movements. Available at... ]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:18:04 GMTYou can't beat a good lunch in good company and that's what we aim to provide at Lunch Club. The Club meets on the last Friday of every month, from 12 noon, at YMCA Surbiton to enjoy a traditional British main course and dessert. To accompany the home cooked food, we also put on some entertainment; be it a quiz, a talk or some music. For big events, we hold specially themed lunches, like during the Jubilee celebrations (pictured above). Lunch Club is a great place to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Want To Know More?To find out more about Lunch Club or to book into the next meeting, please contact Clemency on 020 8339 4621 or email clemencylawrence@ymcalsw.org ]]>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:28:39 GMT Parties at YMCA Wimbledon are held in the main Sports Hall, so there’s lots of room for games, running around and a full sized bouncy castle.   The hall may be booked for two hours on Saturday (normally between 10 am and 4pm) and Sunday afternoons (between 3.30 pm and 5pm). Suitable for under 5’s, the venue can accommodate up to 30 of the most energetic and lively party guests.  YMCA Wimbledon is ideal if you want to organise and run the party yourself, but don’t want to have to tidy up afterwards! A Space Playworker will make sure the room is set out with toys and soft play equipment (similar to the Ducks sessions) along with the bouncy castle. You are welcome to come in a short while before the part... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:36:09 GMT At YMCA Surbiton you can hire Studio 2 for children's parties on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2.30 pm onwards. Ideal for the under 5’s, YMCA Surbiton is the perfect choice of venue if you want to organise and run the party yourself, but leave the tidying up to someone else! A Space Playworker will make sure the room is set out with toys and play equipment (as provided during our Toddlers Funtime sessions) along with a small bouncy castle. You are welcome to come in a short while before the party starts to decorate the room with your own balloons, table cloths, streamers, etc. Party food, drinks, cake and party bags are provided by you. There are basic kitchen facilities including a small fridge, kettle and a microwave which you are welc... ]]>Tue, 22 May 2012 14:16:48 GMTIf you are planning a business conference, meeting or training session, YMCA Wimbledon could be just what you're looking for. Located in the heart of Wimbledon with convenient transport links, we have everything you need for a successful event that will not break your budget. The YMCA has a large and airy conference room can accommodate up to 50 people and a small breakaway room. Delegates may breakfast or lunch in Canteen, which serves delicious freshly cooked food prepared from scratch. Canteen is perfect for relaxing between sessions or for informal groups. Good value Our room rates offer good value with many of the items you are usually charged extra for (like a projector screen and flip chart) included free or charge. There are discounted rates for non-profit organisations and delegates can use the Y+ Fitness facilities for a nominal fee. More impor... ]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:39:11 GMTIf you are planning a business conference, meeting or training session, YMCA Surbiton is a good choice of venue. Located in the heart of Surbiton a five minute walk from the Station and on several bus routes, the YMCA has everything you need for a successful event that will not break your budget. The large and airy conference room can accommodate up to 60 people with smaller breakaway areas. Delegates may breakfast or lunch in Canteen, which serves delicious freshly cooked food prepared from scratch. Canteen is perfect for relaxing between sessions or for informal groups. Book a whole or half day; early risers can take advantage of the special Early Bird Breakfast meeting rate. Good value Our room rates offer good value with many of the items you are usually charged extra for (like a projector and flip chart) included free or charge. There are discounted rates for non-profit organis... ]]>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:13:04 GMTSun, 06 May 2012 11:37:48 GMT Located in the heart of Wimbledon, the YMCA is suitable for birthday, engagement and anniversary parties as well as christenings and funeral receptions. Canteen staff will design a menu to suit the occasion and your budget; from a finger buffet for ten to a five course sit down meal for 60, food will be freshly prepared and served with care and attention to detail. Functions at YMCA Wimbledon are held in either the Restaurant or the Main Hall. Please note that YMCA Wimbledon is not licensed to sell alcohol. Booking To discuss your particular requirements, please call Imran on 020 8542 9055 or email YMCA Surbiton (020 8390 0148 or email) and YMCA Hawker Centre ... ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 11:29:01 GMT When planning a celebration or social event, the venue is key. Is it easy to find? Is there parking? Is it close to public transport for guest who don't want to drive? YMCA Surbiton has all these features and many more. Suitable for birthday, engagement and anniversary parties as well as christenings and funeral receptions, menus are flexible, with options to suit all budgets. Choose from a finger buffet to a five course sit down meal. Overnight accommodation is available and guests can use the Y+ Fitness gym. Booking Every function is unique, so for more details and to discuss your particular requirements, please call Yann Troalen on 020 8390 0148 Tue, 08 May 2012 11:30:50 GMT Weddings, big birthdays, special anniversaries and engagements are all milestone events that should be marked and celebrated. The YMCA Hawker Centre is particularly suited for celebratory functions. It enjoys a green and leafy location with views of the river. With several rooms of various size including a fully licensed bar with a dance floor and a riverside patio area, accommodations are flexible. Menus can be adapted for every budget, whether your require a simple buffet, a five course wedding breakfast or an informal outdoor BBQ. You can provide your own entertainment or we can book a live band or a DJ for you. Younger guests will enjoy themselves too with plenty of space to run around, an outdoor play area and a bou... ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 11:26:44 GMT Superbly located on the banks of the Thames between Kingston and Richmond, The YMCA Hawker Centre is run in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Formerly the social club for the Hawker Siddley aircraft factory, the building has been a community facility for nearly 100 years. The Centre is an ideal venue for functions and children's parties with plenty of outdoor space and flexible accommodations. Close to Kingston Station, on several bus routes and with ample free parking, the Centre is a very practical, as well as attr... ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 19:52:53 GMT YMCA Wimbledon is conveniently located on Wimbledon Broadway close to both Wimbledon and South Wimbledon (Northern Line) stations. Popular with local companies for its flexible conferencing facilities and families for social functions and children's parties. The centre is also used by charities and special interest groups for shows and displays; the Main Hall has been the venue for a model railway exhibition, a&n... ]]>Mon, 07 May 2012 08:41:53 GMT Ymca Surbiton is located on the High Street, a five minute walk from the Surbiton Station. With Waterloo only 20 minutes away and on several bus routes, it is the ideal venue for conferencing, training days, social functions, even children's parties. With a large air-conditioned conference room, the Canteen restaurant areas and smaller 'break-away' rooms available, accommodation is flexible.  A fu... ]]>Thu, 12 Jul 2012 09:52:04 GMT“Best porridge in town!” Fancy soaking up the sun as you enjoy a leisurely breakfast, lunch, snack or winter warmer?  Our Sun Deck Café has everything you need. A peaceful friendly setting with views over our beautiful pool, you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh homemade food such as porridge, scrambled eggs, full English breakfast, soup served with crusty bread, chilli, jacket potatoes, sandwiches and baguettes. If it’s just a snack or a drink you’re after then there is a whole range of cakes, flapjacks, biscuits, fruit and crisps, not to mention the frothy coffees, hot chocolates and selection of teas. On a warm day cool off with our refreshing choice of cold drinks and delicious ice creams. And to top it all, the friendly café staff are always happy to help! Opening times: Autumn/Winter/Spring Monday/Wednesd... ]]>Fri, 04 May 2012 13:53:00 GMTEasy to access Access to the main YMCA building is at street level through wide double doors. Canteen is on the first floor and can be reached by lift.  YMCA Wimbledon is an Inclusive Fitness Initiative accredited centre. ]]>Sat, 05 May 2012 13:25:32 GMTCanteen is easily accessed being located on the ground floor of YMCA Surbiton through the double doors as you pass the Reception desk. Access to YMCA Surbiton is via steps or ramp at the front.  Canteen is a self-service restaurant; however, staff are on hand if you require assistance with the menu or ordering and will bring your food to your table. The toilets are located off the main restaurant area along a side corridor. ]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:09:46 GMTYMCA Hawker Centre has ample free parking with several disabled spaces close to the entrance. The front entrance is on one level with no steps. Both the bar and restaurant areas are easily accessible with access to the patio area via a small ramp.  Canteen is self-service; however, staff are on hand if you require assistance with the menu or ordering and will bring food to your table. The YMCA Hawker Centre is Inclusive Fitness Initiative accredited.    The disabled toilet is located in the Reception area near to the main doors.   ]]>Sat, 05 May 2012 13:58:06 GMTCanteen at YMCA Wimbledon is open for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea: Monday:                               9am - 3.30pm Tuesday:                               9am - 3.30pm Wednesday:                         9am - 3.30pm Thursday:                             9am - 3.30pm Friday:  &... ]]>Sat, 05 May 2012 13:55:42 GMTCanteen at YMCA Hawker Centre is open for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea:  TIME CLASS LEVEL INSTRUCTOR MONDAY 9.15am 100% Step All Debby 10.15 am Body Pump All Pat 11.30 am Fit 4 Life Gentle Prudie Monday 9am - 7pm Tuesday 9am - 7pm Wednesday 9am - 7pm Thursday 9am - 10pm Friday 9am - 7pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:19:36 GMTCanteen at YMCA Surbiton is open for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea: Monday:                                9am - 4pm Tuesday:                               9am - 4pm Wednesday:                         9am - 4pm Thursday:                             9am - 4pm We serve a wide range of fresh, seasonal food, including cakes, pastries, fresh salads and soup. Canteen at YMCA Hawker Centre offers daily specials, an extensive children's menu and all tea and coffee that is served is Fairtrade. Download The Menu ]]>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:07:56 GMTCanteen at YMCA Surbiton offers delicious food cooked from scratch daily.  From the best salad bar in Surbiton, to a piping hot panini or the daily carvery lunch, you can be sure that there will always be something available to tempt your taste buds. We offer breakfasts, sandwiches and pastries and a wide range of healthy options including salads and jacket potatoes. There are hot specials every day, wonderful desserts and on Mondays and Fridays we serve a specially priced lunch for senior citizens. Download The Menu ]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:27:11 GMTGood food in an idyllic setting Come and visit Canteen at the YMCA Hawker Centre on the bank of the River Thames.  The location of our cafe could not be more perfect - whatever the season, the view from the patio offers a wonderful view of river life. Everyone is welcome for a warming hot drink after a long winters walk or a refreshing ice cream during hazy summer days. A wide range of food is served at excellent prices and we are easily accessable by foot, local transport or car. Canteen is child friendly with comfy sofas, plenty of buggy space and a special children's menu. All surpluses made by Canteen are used to fund YMCA projects that help vulnerable local people. ]]>Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:42:07 GMTPop upstairs at YMCA Wimbledon and discover Canteen! After visiting the gym, attending a Space class with your child or just for a break after a hard mornings shopping, why not stop off at Canteen? It's the perfect place to catch up with friends over a coffee or for surfing the web over lunch. Canteen offers a wide range of seasonal, tasty food, including breakfasts and daily specials plus a menu of children's favourites. Run as a social enterprise. all surpluses are used to fund the YMCA's community projects. We are located in the heart of Wimbledon along the High Street, minutes from the train station. Membership of the YMCA is not required - just pop in and discover Wimbledon's best kept secret! Free WifiYMCA Wimbledon now offers free wifi to customers of the Canteen. During opening hours, you can get 30 minutes free access if you spend Canteen at YMCA Surbiton serves freshly prepared, delicious food in the heart of Surbiton and is open for everyone. With every cup of fairtrade coffee, bowl of homemade soup or salad you enjoy, you support and help fund YMCA LSW's work with vulnerable local people.  We are situated at the end of Victoria Road (next to Sainsburys) and serve hot and cold lunches and light bites. Let us tempt you with our famous all-day breakfast or why not stop by with friends and try the best coffee in Surbiton? Canteen is on the ground floor of YMCA Surbiton, making it fully accessible and is completely child friendly. Free WifiYMCA Surbiton now offers free wifi to customers of the Canteen. During opening hours, you can get Sat, 05 May 2012 12:49:05 GMT On Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th February, you can try our Y+ Fitness facilities for free*. Come and find out what equipment we have in the gym or have a go at a class you may not have considered before. It's a great chance for you to see what we offer with no obligation and no commitment. After your work out, if you think that Y+ Fitness is the right gym for you, you can take out an annual or monthly membership that weekend and not pay the joining fee (usually £25). No need to book. Just come along to find out if Y+ Fitness is your gym. ClassesAt our Open Weekend, you can try out the following... ]]>Sat, 22 Sep 2012 11:14:02 GMTFood at Canteen changes with the season and is cooked on the premises from scratch. From traditional fish and chips or a comforting pasta dish to a hearty roast, you will enjoy lunch at TMCA Wimbledon. If you fancy something lighter, we can rustle up a sandwhich, jacket potato or green leafy salad.  Why not relax on one of the comfy sofas with a speciality coffee or an ice cold drink while you catch up with the newspaper. Download The Menu ]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:27:54 GMT We have been informed that an individual has been selling cleaning products door-to-door in the Berrylands area claiming to be raising money for YMCA Surbiton. We would like to make clear that this is not the case and this man does not represent YMCA Surbiton on any level. We’ve been told the salesman is selling products carrying a YMCA logo and claiming that for every £10 of goods purchased, two people will be able to stay in a Surbiton emergency night shelter, which does not exist. Richard James, Chief Executive of YMCA LSW, said: “We house over 400 people a year and are involved in other projects such as the Winter Night Shelter where we are re... ]]>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:45:52 GMT020 8542 9055 ]]>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:12:20 GMTIt is difficult to imagine what it must be like to be 16 and be made homeless. Developmentally at this stage in life you are looking to establish foundations, work out what is right and wrong / good and bad. To be moved out of home at such a time creates the need not only for a roof over your head but for someone who is going to provide you with constant support. it is therefore good to know that the YMCA has been asked by Sutton Council to establish a Young Person Lodging Scheme. In the Young People's Lodging Scheme (YPLS), we recruit ‘hosts’ who have a spare room to rent out and match them with a young person aged between 16 and 25 who is not yet ready to live and manage on their own. Lodging hosts are asked to create a safe environment for the young person and also offer guidance and support to help them become more independent and responsible. You are not asked to be a ‘parent’ to the young per... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:02:45 GMTFri, 20 Jan 2012 16:16:30 GMTAt previous Sleep Easy events, we’ve had a wide range of people take part. Local councillors, children as young as 10, church groups, youth groups, hospital staff, scouts, reporters and a few YMCA LSW residents too. Looking to join the list this year is Joanne Budd, a resident at YMCA Surbiton. She has been homeless since 2006, following a violent relationship and troubles with alcohol. Having stayed with friends, in hostels, in night shelters and even in a tent for 15 months; she feels that homelessness is a bigger issue than people realise: “It’s surprising how many people I saw in the same situation as me. During the day you don’t see people out and everyone moves around but come the night when people have nowhere to go and you see them in doorways and everywhere else it really does open your eyes and make you realise how many people there are affected. So many in fact, that there’s just ... ]]>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:18:31 GMT   ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 12:12:36 GMTIn the Young People's Supported Lodgings Scheme (YPSL), we recruit ‘hosts’ who have a spare room to rent out and match them with a young person aged between 16 and 25 who is not yet ready to live and manage on their own. The scheme runs across Kingston and the surrounding areas. The Hosts We have a wide range of young people who need supported lodgings so we are looking for a wide range of people to become hosts! As a lodging scheme host you will be expected to create a safe environment for the young person and also offer guidance and support to help them become more independent and responsible. You are not asked to be a ‘parent’ to the young person; they will be a lodger in your home, however they may need your help with acquiring life skills, such as cooking, cleaning and budgeting. If you think you can make a difference to a young person and would like to know more, you can do... ]]>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:50:49 GMT London’s New Year firwork display was quite spectacular this year. Alledgely running for 11 minutes this proud exhibiton was designed to show the world what London was capable of at the start of a momentus year. In a twelve month period that contains Olympics and the Royal Jubilee this exhibiton was designed to demonstrate quality and control as well as amaze and inspire. Here in YMCA London South West we might not have started the year with a spectacular display but we have an equally exciting and momentus 12 months ahead. From the developments at our site in Wimbledon to new installations and contracts at Hawker, we expect that 2012 will be a time when a lot of the planning and preperation of 2011 will be realised. It didn’t take long for our preperations for 2012 to come to life. On January 5th the One of the many people already signed up to take part in Sleep Easy this year is Joanne Budd; one of our residents at YMCA Surbiton. Having spent the best part of 6 years homeless, Joanne is keen to raise awareness of the issue that she feels is worse than people realise and believes events like this can help do just that. This is Joanne’s story: My BackgroundI was in a violent relationship for three years. The police were called on many occasions but I would never do a written statement and because I wouldn’t, the police and the council couldn’t help me. In the end I decided enough was enou... ]]>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:41:41 GMTThe Memorial Gardens in Kingston and Holy Trinity Church in Wimbledon will turn into a sea of cardboard and woolly hats on Saturday 28th January, as they become homes for the night to brave fundraisers who ‘sleep rough so others don’t have to’. The Sleep Easy event will run from 7pm till 6am on Sunday morning, with funds raised split between organisers YMCA London South West, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH) and Faith in Action; who will all use the funds to help their work with the homeless in the local community. Joanne Budd, a resident at YMCA Surbiton who has been homeless for the best part of six years, is taking part this year and explained: “I want to make others aware that there are a lot of people out there who need help. I want them to be aware rather than just burying their heads in the sand and just seeing what they want to see. I also want people to see what organisations like t... ]]>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 03:44:32 GMT It's great to be able to check your email while you’re out and about or catch up with the news over lunch. It's even better when you can do it for free! If you pop into YMCA Surbiton or YMCA Wimbledon you can use our WiFi for 30 minutes, free with every purchase over £1.50 from Canteen. And one hour if you spend over £1.50. Just ask for a ticket at the till. Outside of Canteen opening hours, Y+ Fitness members can use the WiFi for 2 hours. Ask at Main Reception for a ticket. We haven’t forgotten YMCA Hawker! WiFi will be available in the very near future. ]]>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 22:58:47 GMT YMCA London South West is blessed with dozens of volunteers who give their time and expertise to help us with our work. Volunteers help in many areas of the YMCA including the Chaplaincy teams. The Chaplaincy service is for everyone, whether you use the YMCA or not, are of any faith or none at all. Call into Canteen and you will recognise Chaplaincy volunteers in their distinctive t-shirts. They are there if you want to talk to someone about any issue (spiritual or otherwise), need advice or simply want to have a social chat over a coffee. It’s free, it’s completely confidential and if they can help or point you in the right direction, they will. Sue, who has been volunteering with the YMCA Chaplaincy Team for two years, said: “People do really appreciate the gre... ]]>Sat, 22 Sep 2012 23:41:06 GMTIn the build up to Christmas, YMCA London South West is getting in the festive mood with a Christmas Craft Fair and some Christmas Carols. The Craft Fair is on Saturday 10th December at YMCA Surbiton from 10am to 4pm. Numerous stalls will be selling ideal Christmas presents and there will be plenty for the children too with games, raffles and lots of entertainment. There’s also a chance to see Santa in his grotto, with every visitor getting a free gift (£2 entrance fee). Santa will be arriving at 10.30am in a vintage police car. All proceeds from the event will be going towards YMCA LSW’s Youth Work department. YMCA Hawker Centre will then be host to a Brass Band playing Christmas Carols on Monday 12th December at 2pm. The event is free for all and includes a complimentary tea or coffee and mince pie. For more information about the event or about the Association’s Youth Work, visit On Friday 2nd December, staff and volunteers from YMCA London South West and Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness, spent shifts sleeping in a Perspex box filled with cardboard, newspaper and a sleeping bag, outside the Bentalls Centre in Kingston Town Centre. While they did, other staff were charged with handing out publicity material for this year’s YMCA Sleep Easy. YMCA Sleep Easy is a national YMCA fundraising event; raising money for local YMCA’s work with the homelessness. Members of the public raise money by spending a night ‘sleeping rough so others don’t have to’. YMCA London South West are running two simultaneous events on January 28th 2012, in Kingston and Wimbledon. It’ll be the third year in a row the event has taken place in Kingston and will again be run in partnership with Kingston Action Churches on Homlessness. The event last year raised over £20,000.  Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:22:44 GMT It’s a strange feeling waking up from a light sleep, in multiple layers, a thick sleeping bag and a cardboard box. It’s a strange feeling being that exposed to the cold 5am morning air and sun. But it’s a nice, comforting feeling knowing that a warm bed is waiting for you.  Sadly, some can’t share that comfort. On Saturday 28th January, over 140 people across Kingston and Wimbledon all ‘slept rough so others don’t have to’ as part of Sleep Easy. They donned their woolly hats and gloves to raise money for our work with homeless people in the local community and the work of Kingston Chu... ]]>Fri, 21 Sep 2012 03:58:44 GMT We’re immensely proud to say that at this year’s Kingston Business Awards, we won the 'Best Training & Development' category and were 'Highly Commended' in the 'Kingston's Favourite Business' category. Gloria Ssali, our Learning and Development Manager, and Debbie Camp, Director of Corporate Services, attended the ceremony to collect our award (pictured above). Gloria said “We put a lot of work and resources into providing our staff and volunteers with the opportunities to develop their skills through learning and development. We have a high number completing NVQ’s, First Aid Certificates, Health and Safety; plus a wide range o... ]]>Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:38:20 GMTWe have now entered the season of advent, a time when we count down to the birth of Jesus and a celebration of his arrival into the world. As will be well told in school plays over the next few weeks, Jesus’ birth came not in splendour and opulent surroundings rather it was in an animal shed –‘because there was no room for them in the Inn’. Advent for YMCALSW also commences the count down towards a new project, the very first Winter Night Shelter in Merton.  Facilitated by the YMCA and delivered by churches across the Borough of Merton the shelter is a chance to provide a warm and safe environment for those who have been turned away from their very own ‘Inns’. We are excited about seeing over 150 people offer to be involved in this new, pilot scheme, excited that 7 churches have been willing to be used during this winter and most importantly we are excited that we can allow something good to happen, bringing people off the streets in ... ]]>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:27:40 GMTNational Council for Voluntary Organisations The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is the largest umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in England. They give voice and support to civil society. NCVO believes passionately in the voluntary and community sector. This is a sector with the power to transform the lives of people and communities for the better. Website: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk ]]>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:31:09 GMTOne 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 Kin... ]]>Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:59:02 GMT People come to live at the YMCA for many reasons. Here, Julian tells us his story. How he came to the YMCA after he lost his home and business following a family tragedy. He talks about his experience of the YMCA, his plans for the future and explains how his roller coaster life is starting to slow down. If you would like to support the work of YMCA LSW, you can make a donation, take part in one of our events or become an Associate Member. ]]>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:03:12 GMT Music Room’s Battle of the Bands 2011 certainly lived up to its name, with URAH.State narrowly pipping the rest to be crowned winners.  The three lads, who bought along a massive following, won a day’s recording in the Music Room Studio. Chris Born & The Highwaymen finished second and were awarded a £50 music voucher for Broadway Music (the event sponsors), while the interestingly attired Tearaway finished third. The event was held at YMCA John Innes Youth Centre in front of a near capacity crowd of 150 young people. Each got to vote for their favourite performance, the result of which carried 50% of the weighting, while the other 50% was determined by the ... ]]>Sat, 15 Sep 2012 05:56:05 GMTThe YMCA is a registered charity and receives funding from three main sources. Basic housing activities are funded by the Government via the Supporting People programme. However, our work with local homeless people is about much more than bed and board; our Life Skills programme, Foundation Learning programme and resettlement programme all require funding. We also run community projects in other areas like children's work, youth work and health and fitness. To fund these, we use the surpluses generated from our social enterprises; Y+ Fitness, Space and Canteen. Supported by the local community who use our gyms, holiday camps and eat in our cafes, we are able to provide traini... ]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:26:42 GMTAs we set off down the M4 to our destination (Newgale YMCA) it was a beautiful morning in London with sunshine and blue skies. As soon as we paid our £11 to cross the Severn bridge into Wales, guess what, the heavens opened! Packed tightly (and safely) into our mini bus were ten young people from the Royal Borough of Kingston (some accompanied by suitcases big enough to sustain a life abroad for six months) and three YMCA staff. As the week unfolded, we got to know each other. We laughed a lot, argued a bit, some talked non-stop and some were quiet. We slept little, squeezed into wetsuits and we had some fantastic outdoor experiences. We threw ourselves from rocks into the sea, we kayaked around some of the beautiful coastline eating seaweed as a snack along the way. We encouraged those that were fearful and cheered on those who were fearless. We jumped through the crashing waves, we wore dirty clothes (... ]]>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 09:19:54 GMTSo, it's Autumn. The children are back at school, the holiday suitcases are packed away in the loft and there's a general feeling of getting back down to business. Forget the New Year, now is the perfect time to make some fitness resolutions and really stick to them. It’s easier to stay motivated at this time of year too. The weather's better, the evenings are not so dark and with Christmas on the horizon, starting a fitness programme or refreshing your existing routine will deliver results by party time. You can read more about why the tail end of the year is better than January for making changes here. The key to success in sticking to an exercise programme at any time of year is to keep it interesting. Mix it up a little. If you usually stick to the gym, try a class. If you already take ... ]]>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 19:54:03 GMTToo young to join a gym? Club 1316 offers teenagers a chance to do just that, exercising under supervision with qualified instructors on hand to ensure that equipment is used safely and that teenagers exercise at the correct intensity for their age. Club 1316 runs at all four of our sites; YMCA Surbiton, YMCA Wimbledon, YMCA Hawker Centre and Hampton Pool (Club 1315). When Can I Use The Gym?   Weekdays Weekends   YMCA Hawker Centre   9am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)   Anytime YMCA Surbiton 9am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)   Anytime YMCA Wimbledon 9am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) &... ]]>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:50:05 GMTPeople come to us for many reasons. Here Julian tells us about his story and experiences at YMCA LSW and explains how his roller coaster life is starting to slow down. If you would like to support the work of YMCA LSW, you can make a donation, take part in one of our events or become a General Member   ]]>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:37:29 GMTAddress Surbiton New Life Baptist Church, Balaclava Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 5PW Email: jackybone@ymcalsw.org ]]>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:11:44 GMTAddress Grand Drive, Lower Morden SW20 9NA Telephone: Email: michelleluke-bannerman@ymcalsw.org What Can You Do Here Children's Work Breakfast, After School Clubs & Crèche ]]>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:04:03 GMTAddress Bondnant Gardens, West Barnes Lane SW20 0BZ Co-ordinator: Becky Telephone: 07767 383 236 Email: bbrannan@ymcalsw.org What Can You Do Here Children's Work Breakfast, After School Clubs & Crèche ]]>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:04:19 GMTAddress Villiers Road, Kingston, Surrey KT1 3AR Co-ordinator: Myke Telephone: 07795 181 816 Email: mykecatterall@ymcalsw.org What Can You Do Here Children's Work Holiday Camps Breakfast, After School Clubs & Crèche ]]>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:50:27 GMTAddress The Summers, Yeend Close, West Molesey, Surrey KT8 2NY What Can You Do Here Housing Residential Care ]]>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:58:26 GMTAddress Rodney House, Newhall Gardens, Walton-on-Thames KT12 3LE What Can You Do Here Housing Residential Care ]]>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:50:18 GMTAddress Langdown House, Yeend Close, West Molesey, Surrey KT8 2NY What Can You Do Here Housing Residential Care ]]>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:48:48 GMTAddress 61 Kingston Road, Wimbledon SW19 1JN Tel: 020 8542 0653 What Can You Do Here Youth Work During and After School Sports Room Music Room Skills Academy ]]>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:39:25 GMTAddress Queen Elizabeth’s Road, Kingston, Surrey KT2 6RJ What Can You Do Here Children's Work Holiday Camps Youth Work During and After School Music Room Spirituality  ]]>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:04:54 GMTAddress David Ensor House, 6 Parsons Green, London SW6 4TQ Telephone: 020 7736 4878 Email: sharonhardy@ymcalsw.org What Can You Do Here Housing Young Workers & Students Student Accommodation ]]>Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:28:22 GMTAddress High Street, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2ST Telephone: 020 8255 1116 Email: info@hamptonpool.co.uk ]]>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:46:44 GMTAddress Lower Ham Road, Kingston, Surrey KT2 5BH Telephone: 020 8296 9747 Email: info.hawker@ymcalsw.org What Can You Do Here Health & Fitness Y+ Facilities and Services Sports Disability Sports and Fitness Community Fitness Children's Work Holiday Camps Breakfast Club Address 200 The Broadway, London SW19 1RY Telephone: 020 8542 9055 Email: info.wimbledon@ymcalsw.org What Can You Do Here Housing Supported Housing Student Accommodation Budget Accommodation Health & Fitness Y+ Facilities and Services Sports Address 49 Victoria Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 4NG Telephone: 020 8390 0148 Email: info.surbiton@ymcalsw.org What Can You Do Here Housing Supported Housing Student Accommodation Budget Accommodation Health & Fitness Y+ Facilities and Services Sports This term is an exciting one for Room with new opportunities around the corner and new people joining the youth work team. We are thrilled to welcome three students to our team who will working with our youth workers and volunteers to run projects from the Basement and YMCA John Innes youth venues. With events such as Battle of the Bands and projects like Engage back up and running, this term promises to be jam packed with opportunities for young people. Room website coming soon, but in the meantime Music Room has its own website. For general youth work enquiries, please email Head of Youth Work No. All our services and facilities may be used by anyone. Everyone is welcome to come into Canteen for lunch or a coffee, to use the childcare services of Space or attend a Room gig night. Although regular exercisers will save money by taking out a membership, you can use the Y+ Fitness gym, take a class, play tennis or swim on a 'pay as you go' basis. Our Centres are open to the whole community, as are our chapels and the services of our Chaplaincy team.  While membership is not required, if you want to show your support for YMCA London South West, you can become an Associate Member. Full details may be found here. ]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:24:19 GMTYMCA LSW has affordable long-term accommodation for students and workers available at YMCA Surbiton, YMCA Wimbledon and YMCA Parsons Green. Rooms are basic, but comfortable and all enjoy excellent transport links into central London. Room rates vary, but include heating, electricity and water. For more information: YMCA Parsons Green (Self-catering) YMCA Wimbledon YMCA Surbiton ]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:23:30 GMTMarcus moved to London to study a degree in Theology with Business in 1991, an interesting choice for a committed agnostic. Three weeks into the degree he had a conversion experience and became a Christian. After graduating he did a couple years in retail followed by six years in sales before becoming the Minister of Elim Pentecostal Church Wimbledon in 2000. Marcus was ordained in 2004 and embarked on a million and a half pound church building project. The project completed in 2008 and Elim Wimbledon moved into its new community facility with enthusiasm. Marcus’ relationship with YMCA Wimbledon began about 10 years ago, where he would meet members of his congregation for coffee. He is married with two daughters. ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:46:37 GMTThe YMCA was founded in 1844 by George Williams at the age of only 23. George was the son of a farmer and had planned to follow in his father’s footsteps, but an unfortunate incident with an upturned cattle cart saw him packed off to London to become a draper’s assistant. Concerned about the welfare of his fellow workers, he started a prayer and bible study group which soon became popular attracting men from across London. Called the Young Mens Christian Association, the group began to address other issues facing workers in the increasingly industralised cities. Open to everyoneFrom this small seed an international movement grew that today has 45 million members across 125 different countries. Today, the YMCA is open to everyone, men and women of all faiths and none. In the UK, YMCA England is as... ]]>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:49:31 GMTYMCA London South West is used by people of all faiths and none. The Chaplaincy Team are members of both Kingston and Merton Interfaith Forums and are supportive of interfaith events encouraging residents to participate (for example, Peace Week). The team have developed links with many other faith groups and can connect non-Christian YMCA residents with appropriate spiritual support when needed. ContactYou can contact either Jacky Bone (YMCA Surbiton) or Rev Ken Davies (YMCA Wimbledon) by email, telephone or via the Support Team or Reception at the centres. Jacky Telephone: 020 8339 7320  Email: jackybone@ymcalsw.org    Ken Telephone: 020 8399 ... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:53:38 GMTThe Chaplaincy Team could not operate without the Chaplaincy volunteers - a group made up of members of local churches, the local community or YMCA residents. They help out in a variety of ways around the Centres: Assisting at events - the Seniors Lunch Club, for example. Helping Residents move on and settle into new accommodation. Operating the YMCA's furniture and furnishings bank. More importantly, they provide a listening ear for Residents and Centre users. Easily identifiable in their Chaplaincy Team T-shirts volunteers can usually be found in Canteen for a coffee and a chat. ContactNew volunteers are always needed. If you can spare some time (even if it's just a few hours a month), please contact either: Jacky Telephone: 020 8339 7320  Email: jackybone@ymcalsw.orgWed, 02 Nov 2011 09:54:06 GMTWe are an ecumenical organisation and work with all sectors of the Christian faith. We are members of Local Churches Together and are part of the Christian Agency Network working with organisations such as KCAH, Street Pastors, Well Care and Release. By working in partnership, we have seen many worthwhile projects thrive. For example, Basement (the Kingston Youth Cafe) is a joint project between ourselves, John Bunyan Church and Oxygen, a local youth charity. It provides a safe alcohol-free space for young people to enjoy both performing and listening to live music. Sleep Easy<... ]]>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:34:02 GMTFor our AGM back in November 2010, a group of residents shared their thoughts on 'Being Homeless'. If you would like to support the work of YMCA LSW, you can make a donation, take part in one of our events or become a General Member ]]>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:14:14 GMTBefore I moved in to the YMCA I lived with my mum and her boyfriend. We were arguing a lot and I went a bit wild and was kicked out from school. I wasn’t behaving myself and when I was 18 I was kicked out from home as well. I stayed with a friend at first and after two months I moved in to the YMCA. I have a Support Worker and he has sorted out a lot of problems for me since I moved in. He’s nice and I get along with him well. I have asked for counseling because I need to learn how to deal with my problems myself. I will also do the Life Skills course where you learn cooking, budgeting, resettlement and get prepared for living on your own. I would really like to get a job because not having anything to do during the day is depressing and boring. I have been handing out CV’s but not heard anything back yet. I have studied Child Care and Social Care and in the future I would like to become a Social Worker. I li... ]]>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:26:10 GMTWhen I was six months old my mother disappeared. She left my brother and me with the next-door neighbours. At the time my father was starting out as a businessman and for a while we were brought up by a nanny who badly abused us. My brother even more so than myself. One day my grandmother walked in on the nanny throwing my brother down the stairs so we moved in with her for a little while instead before moving overseas with my father. We moved in to a new era where we went to country clubs, had maids and chauffeurs, no shortage of money and I was educated well. My father married a lady who he divorced when I was fourteen. She too could be violent at times. Travelling all around the world, my father was hardly ever there. A Wrong Turn Unfortunately, I went down the wrong road and ended up taking heroin when I was fourteen and I became addicted. At eighteen I was sent to a rehabilitation clinic in the UK. I tidie... ]]>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:42:51 GMTRuth is an independent training consultant within the youth work field. She has practised youth work since she was nineteen and took early retirement as Head of the Youth Service in the London Borough of Ealing in 2002.   Ruth is the Chair of The Centre for Youth Work Studies and Associate Lecturer and Honorary Fellow of Brunel University. She has undertaken numerous pre – inspection checks for youth services all over the country as both an independent consultant and Ofsted Inspector. She is currently delivering NVQ’s to youth workers for Richmond College and is a Master Facilitator for ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers’. Ruth is also a registered consultant with the National Youth Agency. Ruth is past chair and member of the Executive Committee for the National Association of Youth and Community Education Officers and is also on The National Youth Agency’s Education Training Standards Committee and the Board of YMCA Tr... ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:47:09 GMTIf you or someone you know is homeless or facing homelessness, it can be a distressing and scary time but you are not alone and help is available. YMCA London South West run two hostels in Surbiton and Wimbledon, but we are not able to help you if you just turn up. You must be referred by one of the organisations or charities that we work with. Your first step should be to contact one of the agencies below (we recommend your local council first). They will assess your situation and if possible, refer you on from there. Kingston Council HAT (Homelessness Assessment Team) Tel: 020 8547 5460 (Out of office hours 020 8770 5000) Email: hat@rbk.kingston.gov.uk Simon is a Director at PriceWaterhouseCoopers where he works in Corporate Finance. He provides advice to Government Departments on the financial and commercial elements of large commercial transactions both in the UK and overseas. Simon also has significant previous experience as a civil servant working across all levels of Whitehall, including advising Ministers. Simon is on the PCC of Emmanuel Church, Surbiton and currently leads the year 7 to 9 youth group. He helped set up and now helps run a monthly youth club called P4 at the church. He has been an active supporter of and participant in the Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness night shelter project for the past two years, helping out at the night shelters at St Peter’s, Norbiton. Simon has been a Christian since his late teens and tries to embody his Christian values both at work and at home. He particularly enjoys working with young people and says his work on the night shelter project was an eye ope... ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:47:21 GMTAs well as running after school clubs from our own centres, we also run a number from local schools. There’s a lot of benefits to this. The buildings are child friendly, there is access to large outdoor areas and the children simply have to be led across the playground rather than down the road or put into a minibus. We run after school clubs from two schools in Wimbledon, St John Fisher and more recently West Wimbledon primary school, and from King Athelstan school in Kingston. We also run day camps during the school holidays for 4 to 11 year olds from King Athelstan, normally with one day trip every week. ContactMyke, King Athelstan Primary School Telephone: 07795 181 816 Email: mykecatterall@ymcalsw.org Michelle, St John Fisher Primary School Telephone: ... ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:11:12 GMTAs well as our day trips and fitness and dance classes there are other activities run specifically for seniors across YMCA LSW centres. BowlingBowling is good, gentle exercise, plus a great way to enjoy the summer and make new friends. We run sessions at both YMCA Hawker Centre (outdoor) and YMCA Wimbledon (indoor). Find out more here. WalksWalking is a great form of exercise at any age and our walk leaders have put together some great routes around London and the local area to get you out and active, all completely free. We’ve planned two walks a month leaving from all our centres, all starting at 10am (unless otherwise stated). Walks leave on a Monday from YMCA Hawker Centre, a Tuesday from YMCA Wimbledon ... ]]>Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:22:24 GMTWe’re the largest provider of supported housing for the homeless in South West London. Last year we helped and housed over 300 people many as young as 16 years old. Our hostels are not just accommodation; we also provide support and help for everyone who stays with us. Some just need a breathing space – a safe place where they can think things through for a few weeks, perhaps rebuild relationships with family before moving on with their lives. Others need more intense help. Help with deep emotional issues, with addiction, with a lack of work skills, education, social skills and self-confidence. Whatever is needed, the YMCA treats each person as an individual, holistically, mindful of body, mind and spirit. More than bed and boardOur core housing work is funded by the Government’s Supporting People programme. The extra services we offer such as life skills classes, Foundation Learning, app... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:25:12 GMTAfter many years first as a social worker and then a senior manager in local authority settings, Thora worked for ten years in the senior team of YMCA London South West. Her career has centred on providing services for people with disabilities. Now retired, she is a Pastoral Assistant within her local parish church and enjoying walking, gardening, travelling, music and the arts and leading a U3A Family History group. Thora is also a Peer Assessor for YMCA Insync Standards. ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:47:38 GMTTony lives with his wife and two children in Chessington and works for the NHS as a Senior Manager for a London Primary Care Trust. In 1999 Tony became a founding member of the Christian Peoples Alliance and served on its Federal Executive, with responsibility for policy development. In the past he has ran as a MEP candidate in the South East Region. Tony is currently actively working for progressive causes, such as Christian Council for Monetary Reform and Coalition for Economic Justice. He is also a member of Transition Town Kingston and Richmond & Kingston World Development Movement. When he is not busy he enjoys time with his family, cycling and to relax he takes pleasure in watching a good movie or listening to music. Tony also has a passion for photography and has been involved in the past with Kingston Camera Club. ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:47:59 GMTVal was born and brought up in South London and has raised her family there too. She can remember herself as a child waiting to catch a bus home opposite Kingston YMCA in its old home on Eden Street. Val first heard of YMCA LSW through her work with AZTEC, the Training and Enterprise Council, and its successor organisation The Learning and Skills Council. Whilst working on a project with her current employer, Merton Local Authority where she is a 16 to 18 Commissioning Manager, she worked on a consortia project for young unemployed young people with the Centre Director at YMCA Wimbledon. Through this she learnt more about the future plans of YMCA LSW which fed her passion to make a difference. Val hopes to do this as part of her work on the Board of Trustees.   ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:48:11 GMTRegular exercise is important during all life stages and our Y+ Fitness team have co-ordinated several classes like Classic Fitness (at YMCA Hawker Centre) and Fit4Life (at YMCA Surbiton) to be of particular benefit to seniors. Take a look at all our classes on the Y+ Fitness website, or download your nearest Centre’s Senior Programme for a selection of classes we recommend for seniors. Gym MembershipSeniors are eligible for a Y+ Fitness gym membership, which costs just £32 a month or £320 for the year. Membership includes unlimited access to the gym and too all of our classes, over 50 per week at each centre. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:41:27 GMTThis term is an exciting one for Room with new opportunities around the corner and new people joining the youth work team. We are thrilled to welcome three students to our team who will working with our youth workers and volunteers to run projects from the Basement and YMCA John Innes youth venues. With events such as Battle of the Bands and projects back up and running, this term promises to be jam packed with opportunities for young people. Room website coming soon. In the meantime, please click here for more information about Music Room. For general youth work enquiries, please email Anna MacShane. ]]>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:51:02 GMTPeople volunteer with YMCA London South West for many reasons. Perhaps they are between jobs and want to keep busy while they look for another, perhaps they want to add some valuable work experience to their CV or perhaps they simply have some spare time and want to help others. Whatever the reason, they are part of a valued team of volunteers who work across most of our departments. Volunteer roles include: Gym Instructors Cafe Assistants Office Administrators Accountants Youth Workers Play Workers Minibus Drivers Receptionists Painter & Decorators Gardeners Chaplains Trustees The above list isn't exclusive - if you have skills or experience i... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:47:04 GMTThe start of September is not usually a time of celebration for most teenagers. It signals the end of the school holidays and a return to early mornings and homework. But on Wednesday 9th September at YMCA Hawker Centre, 13 young people had the chance to reflect and celebrate a constructive summer at the Junior Leaders Celebration Evening. In front of family and friends, the young people were presented with their Certificates of Completion by the Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Geoff Austin. At the event, the Junior Leaders presented videos of what they got up to during the two weeks. While introducing his groups’ video, Dony said “Junior Leaders involved us looking after the coolest 4 to 8 year olds that we’ve ever met! The people here are really good and we’ve made a lot of friends. It’s raised our confidence levels”. Brooke added “It’s been a great experience for us all and we’re sure it’ll influence our... ]]>Mon, 03 Sep 2012 16:41:04 GMTHeads of Departments Jospehine Fay, Head of Care Services Email: JosephineFay@ymcalsw.org  Jules Hammonds, Head of Catering Email: juleshammonds@ymcalsw.org Emma Wiles, Head of Childrens Work Email: emmawiles@ymcalsw.org Caroline Cronin, Head of Marketing and Communications Email: carolinecronin@ymcalsw.org Allison Lucas, Head of Property and Technical Services Email: allisonlucas@ymcalsw.org Ann Obayuwana, Head of Resident Services Em... ]]>Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:58:44 GMTChurch. We might think of impressive buildings, hymns, friends, worship and God, but what if you feel that for one reason or another, you don’t fit into a ‘regular’ church? Time and time again, YMCA LSW Chaplain Jacky Bone met people who had gone to church and wanted to continue going, but said ‘I’m not going back because I don’t look like them, I don’t have money to put in the offering, I can’t read or sit still for an hour without a cigarette but I feel too bad or embarrassed to leave. Together with the local Baptist church, Jacky decided to start an alternative. A relaxed place where everyone can truly come as they are and so The Well was born. It’s like a drop-in centre, you can play pool, have a chat over a cup of coffee or do crafts. Bible study or prayer is also offered (this takes place in a separate room and is... ]]>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:12:21 GMTUniversities often have excellent health and fitness facilities, but many students prefer the convenience of a gym located near to where they live rather than where they study. Taking on a gym membership may seem like a luxury, especially on a student budget but Y+ Fitness has an affordable solution. Special student membership is available for only £199 per year, which works out at less than £4 a week. Or students can pay for a term (4 months) for only £85. This is a significant saving and includes the Y+ Get Started programme (normally £25). Student membership includes unlimited use of the gym and classes. With each YMCA Centre offering over 50 classes a week including Yoga, Pilates, Kh... ]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 23:10:37 GMTTerms & ConditionsThe use of this site is provided by YMCA London South West. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website. The term 'us' or 'we' refers to the owner of the website – YMCA London South West. YMCA LSW is a charity registered under Charity No: 1041923 (England and Wales); Registered Company No: 2971930; TSA No: LH2204. Our registered office is at YMCA London South West, St James House, 9-15 St James Road, Surbiton KT6 4QH. The term 'you' refers to the user or viewer of our website. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we s... ]]>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:50:18 GMT What A Great PrizeWarren House kindly donated a prize of a complimentary nights stay and breakfast for two, which went to the highest fundraiser at Sleep Easy 2011. We raised a massive £22,176.73 at the event, which was split 50/50 between ourselves and Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness. Website: www.warrenhouse.com ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:42:03 GMT  A Complimentary Meal For TwoThe Hamptons Bar and Restaurant, in East Molesey, donated a meal for two as a prize given to the winner of the quiz at Sleep Easy 2011. The quiz was part of the entertainment put on at the event, which included the shelter building competition, a drumming workshop and giant games. Website: www.thehamptonsbar.co.uk ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:26:10 GMT Working Closely TogetherWe work with the Royal Borough of Kingston a lot. The Kingston Council Homelessness Assessment Team refer the majority of our residents at YMCA Surbiton to us; we work with them to run YMCA Hawker Centre, a building owned by them, and we run a number of other projects with their help such as the Junior Leaders Programme.  Website: www.kingston.gov.uk ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:41:05 GMTwww.peros.co.uk ]]>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:50:55 GMTSponsors Of A Perspex BoxParkside Hospital played a big part in the 2011 Sleep Easy event, sponsoring our ‘Perspex Box’ which we took into Kingston Town Centre at the beginning of December to raise awareness about the event.  Website: www.parkside-hospital.co.uk ]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:14:49 GMT Positive about Disabled People In 2006, the Job Centre Plus welcomed us as a user of the Disability Symbol. As a user of the disability symbol, we have made five commitments regarding recruitment, training, retention, consultation and disability awareness: 1) To interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities 2) To discuss with disabled employees, at any time but at least once a year, what both parties can do to make sure disabled employees can develop and use their abilities 3) To make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment 4) To take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of ... ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:03:58 GMTCommunity HealthWe’ve worked with our local NHS on a number of different health and fitness programmes over the years. Currently, we deliver the Walk4Life and Bike4Life programmes in Kingston in partnership with NHS South West London from YMCA Hawker Centre. If you want to find out more, you can email our Change4Life Co-ordinator. Website:  www.southwestlondon.nhs.uk ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:22:18 GMTwww.latimerandco.com ]]>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:43:14 GMTwww.fia.org.uk ]]>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:42:15 GMTCommended For Our Training ProvisionAt the Kingston Business Awards in 2010, we were awarded a commendment for our training provision. We re-entered the competition in 2011 and are one of the nominations for best Kingston Business. Website: www.kingstonbusinessawards.co.uk ]]>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:29:04 GMT A Holistic Aproach To Working OutOur Chaplaincy team work alongside Fit Lives to provide a holistic approach to working out. Read more about it here. Website: www.fitlives.co.uk ]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:10:33 GMT Fitness For All The Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) is IFI is a programme that “supports the fitness industry to become more inclusive, catering for the needs of disabled and non-disabled people alike”. Both YMCA Hawker Centre and YMCA Wimbledon are IFI accredited, meaning that the facilities are accessible for people with disabilities, staff are fully trained to assist them and specialist equipment is available. Read more here. Website: www.inclusivefitness.org ]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:16:24 GMT   Nothing Like Tea To Stay WarmWe'd like to thank Cafe Direct for providing the tea and coffee them helped us stay warm on that cold night back in January when we slept outside for the night as part of Sleep Easy. We're sure the 150 or so who joined us would like to thank them too. Website: www.cafedirect.co.uk ]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:19:03 GMTSoup's UpBrakes were one of our sponsors for the 2011 Sleep Easy event, providing coffee, tea and soup to warm up the 150 or so people who slept outside for a night to raise money for our work with the homeless. The hot food and drink was greatly appreciated by all. Website: www.brake.co.uk ]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:21:04 GMT Helping Us Help Homeless PeopleKingston Churches Action on Homelessness aims to “relieve the distress of homeless and potentially homeless people by the provision of service and resources”. Working in the Kingston area, they are one of the organisations who we take referrals from for our Supported Housing in Surbiton. We have also run Sleep Easy in partnership with them for the last two years, sharing the profits 50/50. Website: www.kcah.org.uk ]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:13:25 GMT Dragon Boat SponsorCurtain fitters ‘On The Right Track’ sponsored one of our three boats in this year’s Dragon Boat Race. By covering this cost, we were able to ensure that all the money our rowers made went towards the Junior Leaders Programme.  Website: www.otrt.co.uk ]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:25:25 GMT Helping Us Stay Warm To survive the cold night during Sleep Easy, there were some key rules. Loads of layers, warm socks, plenty of soup and a cardboard shelter, made possible thanks to Big Yellow who provided hundreds of boxes. Website: www.bigyellow.co.uk ]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:48:43 GMT Dragon Boat SponsorGarett & Jones, a local hairdressers in Surbiton, kindly sponsored one of our three boats in this year’s Dragon Boat Race. By covering this cost, we were able to ensure that all the money our rowers made went towards the Junior Leaders Programme.  Telephone: 020 8390 4878 ]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:27:41 GMTA Very Welcome BreakfastAfter a cold night sleeping under the stars at Sleep Easy, a breakfast is always well received. That’s where McDonalds come in. For the last two years the 150 or so rough sleepers have had a McDonalds breakfast to look forward to after a hard night’s sleep. Thank you! Website: www.mcdonalds.co.uk ]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:59:58 GMTLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam (h2) nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat (strong) Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et Duis autem vel eum iriure (h3) iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi.Epsum factorial non deposit quid pro quo hic escorol. Olypian quarrels et gorilla congolium sic ad nauseum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet (h3) consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam e... ]]>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:26:10 GMTIt’s the summer holidays! Six weeks of no school, daytime T.V. and hanging out with friends. Bliss. As well as the fun side, those six weeks can be a great time to do something constructive, something that will be of benefit in the long run, when they’ve finished school or college or uni and the summer months are spent at work, looking forward to that week away in Spain. Our Junior Leaders, who are aged 13 to 15, are doing just that this summer by working at one of our children’s summer camps. On the free two week programme, they’ll be working with children aged 4 to 11 and be able to develop their leadership skills and gain experience of working with younger children. They’ll also receive training on many aspects of playwork including; child protection, safe play practice, health & safety, working as a team and programme planning. It’s ideal for anyone who is thinking about a career or future paid work... ]]>Tue, 21 Aug 2012 20:14:02 GMT YMCA London South West is a registered Christian charity that has been established for over 135 years. Today, we are active in the areas of supported housing, health & fitness, children's work and youth work, helping thousands of people each year. For example: Last year, we housed over 500 homeless people. As well as providing a warm bed and a hot meal, we help build futures, offering the practical support needed to gain qualifications, work experience, life skills and the confidence to eventually live independently. We offer subsidised Day Camp places to children whose families would not otherwise be able to afford them. At Basement and YMCA John Innes Centre we provide the facilities and equipment for yo... ]]>Thu, 16 May 2013 14:35:03 GMTAs a charity, we rely on funding from a number of sources. Government funding enables us to offer supported housing to homeless people in the local community and all surpluses from our services like Canteen and Y+Fitness are plowed back into our charitable work. However, a big part of what we do is down to the community and their efforts in raising money for us. There are so many ways in which local people have supported our work; sleeping outside on a cold wintery night, sponsoring a dragon boat racer who is dressed up as a cowboy, buying a beauty treatment at one of our Pamper Lunches or a second-hand pram at a baby sale. Even running the London Marathon. If you’d like to get involved and fundraise for us, there are a number of ways: EventsWe run many fundraising events throughout the year, ranging from big, all night Sleep Outs to one hour ... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:55:52 GMTRichard James, Chief Executive Email: richardjames@ymcalsw.org Richard joined YMCA LSW in May 2010 but had worked alongside various members of the YMCA staff team for a number of years in his role as Director of Kingston based youth charity Oxygen (Kingston YFC). Prior to that, Richard was a Company Director, church youth worker and a youth project leader (see Linkedin).  Richard writes a regular YMCA blog which  can be viewed here Chief Officer Team Stuart Leamy, Chief Finance Officer  Email: stuartleamy@ymcalsw.org Neil Sherrin... ]]>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:27:23 GMTWithin the local community we run a number of activities for young people of a Christian faith, or who want to know a bit more about it. Every other month young people from local churches meet at the Basement for Engage, a programme that focuses on Life, Faith and Future and looks at different topics from a Christian perspective. It’s an event where you can relax, meet new people, listen to some great live music and chat about stuff that really matters to your Christian life.   Christian Union is a lunchtime group held at Hollyfield School on a Thursday between 12.45pm and 1.30pm. We’d describe it as a mini-Engage! Anyone interested in finding out more and exploring their Christian faith can meet for snacks, games and discussion. Contact Room website coming soon. In the meantime, please contact annamacshane@ymcalsw.org if you would like to k... ]]>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:20:44 GMTNow one of the largest YMCA in Europe, YMCA London South West  is a registered charity working in many diverse areas; Supported Housing; Health & Fitness (Y+ Fitness); Children's Work (Space); Youth Work (Room) and community cafes (Canteen at YMCA). Working in partnership with other like-minded organisation is something we have found to be very effective and current partners include the NHS, Kingston Churches Against Homelessness and Age UK. Our past Our story began in 1874 as Kingston YMCA on Eden Street (roughly where McDonalds stands today). During the early 1980’s we moved to purpose built facilities in Surbiton built in partnership with Sainsbury’s. In 2000 we partnered with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames to redevelop the Hawker Centre and in 2005 we merged with Wimbledon YMCA to become Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:59:54 GMTWe are a membership charity.  We don't mean gym membership or senior membership; we mean that anyone over the age of 18 who wishes to support our on-going work in the community can become a general member or what we call an ‘Associate Member’. As an Associate Member you will receive regular updates about our projects and receive a copy of our Annual Review. More importantly, you’ll have an involvement in our future development and operations. You will be invited to attend our General Meetings (usually annually) where you’ll receive and be able to vote on reports from our Board and staff team. At these meetings it’ll also be your responsibility to elect Trustees onto the Board of Management, who are ultimately responsible for the governance of the Association. More importantly, Associate Members are responsible for maintaining (or being in sympathy with) the Christian p... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:58:16 GMTTue, 14 Feb 2012 09:49:56 GMTTue, 02 Aug 2011 12:12:11 GMTYMCA London South West have been caring children for over 50 years and run activities for all ages from tots to teenagers.  Under the Space banner our Children’s Work team operate over six YMCA Centres spread across Kingston, Merton and Richmond. We offer Holiday Camps, Breakfast, After School Clubs & Crèche, Children's Activities and Sports Tuition. As well as our own Centres, we also work in partnership with several local schools to provide... ]]>Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:26:53 GMTIf you or your company would like to sponsor any fundraising event, we’d be glad to have you on board, no matter how big or small your involvement. In the past companies have donated prizes for competitions and raffles, sponsored boats in the Dragon Boat Race and provided food, drink and snacks for our annual Sleep Easy event. In return (and depending on the event) we will try to include your logo on literature and on other items if possible, such as on the Dragon Boat t-shirts above. We’ll also make sure you appear on our partners wall, where visitors to our site will be able to click through to yours. ContactFor more information on sponsorship opportunities or if you have an idea of your own, please get in touch with Sarah our Fundraising Officer.  Sarah Tel: 020 8339 7083  Email: YMCA London South West is a Christian charity and we like to work with local church communities. We try to keep them updated about our work and involve them as much as we can. If you are a church leader and you would like someone from YMCA LSW to talk to your congregation about homelessness, our youth projects or other area of work, we can arrange that. If you would like to receive copies of Churches Connect our churches newsletter, please email us. If you have an idea for a fundraising event or you want to take part in one of our existing events, please do get in touch. Sleep Easy 2012 In January, several local churches joined in with Sleep Easy, an event linked with Homelessness Sunday that involved building a cardboard she... ]]>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:37:42 GMTAs a local charity with a particular focus on young people, we are always looking for ways to involve schools with our work. If you are a teacher and you would like your pupils to know more about the issue of homelessness, we can arrange for a member of staff give a short talk and answer questions. If you have an idea for a fundraising event or you want your class to take part in one of our existing events, please do get in touch. Sleep Easy 2012 In January, several youth groups joined in with Sleep Easy, an event linked with Homelessness Sunday that involved building a cardboard shelter and sleeping in it all night, outside. Over 12's (with adult supervision) were sponsored to take part with games and activities before settling down in their sleeping bags for a cold and not too comfortable night. It is always a fun event and there is a warm place to retreat to if it gets too col... ]]>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:36:51 GMTTue, 02 Aug 2011 12:04:30 GMTIn and around the gyms at our centres, you may come across Fit Lives Co-ordinators. They are volunteers trained by a Christian charity called Fit Lives, who as an organisation aim to bring a spiritual dimension to working out. In partnership with the chaplaincy team, Fit Lives help people build relationships, offer encouragement and support, lend a listening ear and organise social events such as monthly coffee mornings. ContactTo find out more about events at YMCA Wimbledon, you can call Carolyn Skinner our Fit Lives Coordinator.  Carolyn Telephone: 020 8542 9055  Email: carolynskinner@ymcalsw.org ]]>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:00:11 GMTWhether you want to pray alone, with one of the Chaplaincy team or in a group, we can help you find a place, time and any other information you need. At both YMCA Surbiton and YMCA Wimbledon we have chapels open every day for members of the public, residents and staff. In the chapels, we run weekly prayer sessions on a Thursday, led by the Chaplaincy team. They start at 10.30am at YMCA Surbiton and 11am at YMCA Wimbledon. The team also run prayer and Christian worship events around Christmas and Easter. You can also contact the Chaplaincy team if you would like to find out more information on local places of worship; if you would like help in exploring spirituality; or if you need any support, information or resources for all faiths. ContactYou can contact either Jacky Bone (YMCA Surbiton) or Rev Ken Davies (YMCA Wimbledon) via email, telephone or via the Support Team or Reception at the ce... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:52:12 GMTOne of the Chaplaincy team’s key tasks involves supporting the residents during and after their time with us. Moving into a new place and a new environment can be daunting. The Chaplaincy team, alongside Support Workers, strive to make the transition as smooth as possible. The team run a number of programmes for residents, whether they are of the Christian Faith, any other Faith or none. On Monday evenings at YMCA Surbiton, the ‘Chaplaincy on Monday’s’ group meet for discussion and prayer; while at YMCA Surbiton on a Wednesday afternoon and at YMCA Wimbledon on a Thursday afternoon, residents are invited along to ‘Snack and Chat’, a chance to meet the team over sandwiches. Quite often however, Residents just need someone to listen and to talk to. The Chaplaincy team make themselves available for just that, offering free, independent and confidential pastoral support.  YMCA London South West’s vision is to be a Christian charity where: - people can come as they are; - be met at their point of need - and come to know life in all its fullness. The Chaplaincy service at YMCA LSW aims to serve the whole of our YMCA community, putting the Association's vision into practice. YMCA LSW Chaplains and volunteers are always available for a chat and offer support to everyone who uses our centres, either one-to-one or through one of the Chaplaincy programmes. Although a Christian organisation, our Chaplaincy services are available to people of all faiths or none. Our most important role is simply being there for people who use our facilities: - no matter what their spiritual beliefs - no matter what difficulties they’re facin... ]]>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:59:23 GMTWith its green and leafy location between Richmond and Kingston; its riverside views and flexible accommodations, the YMCA Hawker Centre makes a superb wedding venue. Suitable for small intimate ceremonies or large family gatherings, our wedding team will help you design a special day to remember whatever your budget. Be as involved as you like. Book just the room and the food and organise the D.J. and decorations yourself or leave everything to us. From arrival drinks to the riverside photographs to the last dance of the evening, our team will ensure your day runs smoothly and your guests are well looked after. A practical choice, the YMCA Hawker Centre is conveniently located with good public transport links and a large free on-site car park and by booking your reception at the Centre, you are supporting your community as all surpluses are reinvested in community projects. To discuss your specia... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:35:43 GMTBig birthdays, special anniversaries and engagements are all milestone events that should be marked and celebrated. The YMCA Hawker Centre is particularly suited for celebratory functions. It enjoys a green and leafy location right beside the Thames with good views of the river. It has a large main hall that can be hired with staging, a restaurant area with seating that can be arranged to suit and a fully licensed bar area with a dance floor. Menus can be adapted for every budget, whether it’s a simple buffet, a five course sit down dinner or an informal BBQ on the patio. You can provide your own entertainment or we can book a band or a DJ for you. Younger guests will have a good time too with plenty of space to run around, an outdoor play area and a bouncy castle. The Centre is conveniently located for public transport links with plentiful free parking. All surpluses from functions are reinvested... ]]>Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:14:32 GMTIf you are looking for a venue for a business meeting, training session or corporate event, consider a YMCA London South West Centre. All offer spacious, flexible facilities, are conveniently located for public transport and offer very good value for money. Plus, by holding your event at a YMCA Centre you are helping your community as all surpluses from conferencing are used to support YMCA projects with local vulnerable people. YMCA Surbiton and YMCA Wimbledon both have large conference rooms with seating styles that can be adapted to suit. A PowerPoint projector, flip charts and soft drinks are all included in your room rate. Lunch can be a delicious finger buffet in the conference room or you can eat in Canteen, the YMCA restaurant. Canteen specialises in hot traditional favourites (roast of the day, fish and chips or a pasta bake, for example), fresh salads and ... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:35:04 GMTCanteen at YMCACanteen at YMCA Surbiton, YMCA Wimbledon and the YMCA Hawker Centre welcomes everyone for tea, coffee, snacks and lunch at good value prices. We serve traditional favourites, fresh salads, sandwiches, cakes and pastries, all made on the premises from scratch each morning. Enjoy ‘The Big Breakfast’, the roast of the day or a piping hot panini. All the tea and coffee we sell is Fairtrade. It's a great place to get together with friends after a Y+ Fitness class or after a shopping trip. Canteen is child friendly with comfy sofas, plenty of buggy space and a special children's menu. At the YMCA Hawker Centre you can dine on the patio, enjoying a green and leafy view of the Thames. All three of Canteen restaurants are available for conferences, functions and events. And you can feel good about eating at Canteen ... ]]>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:49:26 GMTChildren's Parties Birthdays are really important when you're a child and so it's great to celebrate such special milestones with a really fun party. Lots of friends, lots of games, balloons, cake and music. However, holding them at home can be hard on the nerves as well as the carpet, so why not choose a YMCA Centre as the venue? We offer a variety of packages from basic hall hire to all inclusive packages that include everything from our new state of the art Soft Play facility (Hawker only) entertainment, disco and bouncy castle to the cake. A YMCA Space staff member can be on hand to co-ordinate games and activities or you can host the event yourself. Menu choices can include traditional party favourites as well as healthy options. Whatever you have in mind -  a toddler Teddy Bear’s Picnic to a teenage Prom style event, packages can be customised with an opti... ]]>Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:03:13 GMTHampton Outdoor Pool With heated water all year round, Hampton Pool is an ideal place to learn to swim with both individual and group lessons available. There are sessions for parents with babies who want to splash about and learn confidence in the water and for children who are at school, we run classes during the week and Saturday mornings. Classes cater for all abilities and with a maximum of six in a class, young swimmers get lots of time with the instructor. Children and teenagers who want to develop their technique and swim competitively may join the Hampton Great Whites Swimming Club. Private lessons may also be booked. For more information, please visit the Hampton Pool website or email info@hamptonpool.co.uk ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:31:20 GMTSports Tuition The YMCA offers professional and affordable tuition in many sports across all of its main Centres. Children and teenagers are coached by Fulham Football Club at YMCA Hawker Centre, they can learn Karate at YMCA Surbiton and Aikido at YMCA Wimbledon.  The YMCA Hawker Centre runs a popular tennis programme with individual and group lessons running all year and courses running during the school holidays. Classes and courses are offered for all levels whether your child plays for fun or wants to progress in the sport. Classes focus on the basic technique of the main tennis shots including forehands, backhands, serve and volley. This builds up to rallying and learning how to play matches for the older children. Lessons are taught in a relaxed environment and incorporate fun games, as well as prizes for all ... ]]>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:22:57 GMTUnder 5’s activities The Space Under 5’s programme has been described as a ‘lifesaver’ by parents and carers. Fun for children and great for parents as it’s a good way to meet other Mums and Dads. We offer a wide variety of activities that change each term including soft play sessions, arts & crafts sessions and music and movement. Activities are designed to stimulate growing minds and imaginations, develop social skills, the ability to share, as well as encouraging an early love of movement and exercise. All healthy habits, of benefit for a lifetime. Just a few of the activities we run: Toddlers Funtime Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:21:21 GMTBreakfast Club (Ages 4 to 11) Breakfast Club Breakfast Club runs at YMCA Hawker Centre from 7.45 am. It offers the opportunity for children to play with friends, catch up with homework or relax before the day really gets going. A healthy breakfast of toast, cereal and juice is served. We drop off at two Kingston primary schools - Fernhill and St Agatha's. After School Clubs After School Clubs run at YMCA Hawker Centre, YMCA Wimbledon and YMCA Surbiton as well as King Athelstan, St John Fisher and West Wimbledon Primary schools. Space staff will collect your child from school, keep them safe and entertained unt... ]]>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:18:13 GMTEveryone needs a change of scenery once in a while and so every month the YMCA Seniors pile into the minibus for a trip out.   Destinations vary and we try to keep everyone happy. There are trips to National Trust properties, the seaside, gardens, museums, castles and the theatre. We are always open to new suggestions. Wherever we end up, we always stop for a pub lunch or a cream tea and a leisurely browse around the gift shop. Trips are escorted and on arrival you can stay with the group or ‘do your own thing’. Trips are popular and places must be booked in advance.  Keep an eye on the events section for details of our next trip. ]]>Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:11:25 GMTSchool holidays can be a real challenge. How do you find a childcare solution that is affordable, that fits in with your working week and is above all, fun for your child? YMCA London South West calls their Children Work 'Space' and we run several camps across the Boroughs of Merton, Kingston upon Thames and at Hampton Pool. At Space children can try all sorts of new activities, challenges and sports. We are outside as much as possible making the most of the good weather, the extensive facilities of the YMCA and the partner schools we operate in. These include sports halls, football pitches, tennis and basketball courts and a swimming pool. Activities are child led; we ask them what they want to do and try to make every day differen... ]]>Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:01:02 GMTIf you are looking for comfortable, no-frills bed and breakfast accommodation, YMCA Surbiton or YMCA Wimbledon are excellent choices. Both offer good value (from £29 per night) and are conveniently located in the heart of town with fast transport links into London; perfect for sight seeing, job interviews or business trips. A choice that helps othersLively and buzzy, with on-site restaurants and use of Y+ Fitness facilities included in your room rate, they offer a good alternative to the standard budget hotel chains. Plus, by staying as a bed and breakfast guest you are helping the local community as all surpluses are used to support YMCA LSW's community projects. To book or for more information: YMCA Surbiton (single, double and triple rooms) Email: info.surbiton@... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:26:56 GMTDuring lunchtime on a Monday and Tuesday, the Basement in Kingston is home to Common Room, a lunch time café with free wifi, table football and plenty of space to chill out during your lunch break. Open from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, Common Room serves wraps or sandwiches for just £2.00, with a meal deal which includes a drink and crisps or chocolate bar for £2.50. The Basement is on Queen Elizabeth’s Road, opposite Tiffin Boys and Kingston Grammar School. Afterschool on a Thursday, Open Room, a detached youth-project, runs in Wimbledon town centre. The team locate themselves outside Centre court shopping centre and make themselves available to any young people who need someone to talk to. Contact Room website coming soon. In the meantime, please contact annamacshane... ]]>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:29:22 GMTStudents studying in London are often faced with very high accommodation costs. YMCA LSW offers affordable accommodation in three centres, all ideally located for both transport into London and for local coffee shops, theatres, restaurants and cinemas. Facilities and room rates vary. Please contact each Centre to arrange a visit or for an application pack: YMCA Surbiton YMCA Wimbledon YMCA Parsons Green £250 Single pw £249 pw £155 pw £325 Tw... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:26:25 GMTIn the past five years our youth work has changed so much. It’s always been a big part of what we do and a big part of what the YMCA as a whole does. But today, the number of young people we work with and the number of projects we provide for them has never been bigger. We offer a large majority of these projects for free. And if we do charge for gig nights or other events it’s only ever a nominal fee. Instead, to finance this work, we relied on grants and using surpluses from our other departments like Y+Fitness. But to keep these projects running, to improve them further and to make them even bigger we needed to start fundraising. That’s where YouFund comes in; created specifically to raise funds for this work. We might do this through running sponsorship events, fundraising evenings, gig nights, lunches or just asking for donations. However we do it, all the money raised will go towards projects that give ... ]]>Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:55:41 GMTWith record high youth unemployment figures it is now more important than ever for young people to finish their education and, where possible, get some vital work experience along the way. Some young people find the traditional school environment difficult. The Skills Academy, run as a partnership with YMCA Training, offers an alternative to mainstream education for 14 to 16 year olds at risk of exclusion. The Academy, which is based at the YMCA John Innes Youth Centre in Wimbledon, provides a patient and understanding environment to reintroduce structure and encourage engagement with study. While at the Academy, students study sports training and City & Guilds qualifications in English and Maths. The students’ timetable also incorporates work experience with local companies and for the 2011-12 academic year will include apprenticeship schemes.  The Academy ... ]]>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:28:57 GMTThrough music, we offer young people the chance to get creative, hang out and play with friends and try something new. We run workshops, gig nights and offer rehearsal space and a recording studio from YMCA John Innes Centre in Wimbledon and the Basement in Kingston. We encourage the young people’s involvement as much as possible; especially for the gig nights. They get involved back stage, with front of house, putting together the line-ups, helping with lighting and sounding. They even maintain a Music Room website, which you can see by following the link below. It’s great experience and good for their cv’s. Find Out MoreSports Room runs twice a week in Kingston and Merton. On a Monday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, the YMCA John Innes Youth Centre is a great place for 11 to 16 year olds to chill out or be active. If you’re feeling energetic you can burn off energy playing football, basketball or dodge ball. But if you want to take things a bit easier you could just play pool or relax in the sports lounge.  On Tuesday evenings, Sports Room moves to Kingston. Usually based at YMCA Hawker Centre, from 5pm to 7pm the focus is on football, with 11-a-side games taking place on the sites full size pitches. The group occasionally visit Goals so make sure you email or call before you come down. ContactRoom website coming soon. In the meantime, please contact annamacshane@ymcalsw.org  ]]>Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:30:13 GMTEvery summer the Junior Leaders scheme gives young people aged 14 to 16 the chance to get some valuable work experience at our children’s holiday day camps. For two weeks, they work alongside our staff team planning and running activities for children aged four to 11. The scheme is designed to develop their leadership skills and child care experience. They also receive training on many aspects of playwork including; child protection, safe play-practice, health & safety and programme planning. But just as importantly, the two weeks is great fun, as you can see from this video diary: You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPHvDg7Pkfg Working partnershipThe ... ]]>Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:43:31 GMTWorking with Surrey County Council’s Adults and Community Care Services, we provide residential care for people with learning or physical disabilities. Langdown House and Rodney House, in West Molesey and Walton-on-Thames, have 44 long term places and four short term places for people with learning disabilities. These short term places are used to provide either respite for family carers or opportunities for personal development with accommodation when they are temporarily unable to live at home. The Summers in West Molesey provides care for people with physical disabilities, however, it will be closing in early 2012. Encouraging ParticipationWe aim to promote personal choice and independence to all people who stay with us, regardless of the extent of their disability. They are encouraged, and facilitated, to join in a number of activities which have recently included sessions such as c... ]]>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:10:38 GMTAcross our centres throughout the year, we take part or become the venue for different community fitness projects, groups and initiatives. Amongst other programmes, in the recent past we have worked with the MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!) programme to deliver programmes for 7 to 13 year olds whose weight is above a healthy range for their age and height. We’ve worked with the Weight Management Centre and the NHS to deliver Alive ‘N’ Kicking, a weight management programme for the whole family and we’ve worked with PRO-ACTIVE South London, taking part in the Love2 Sport and Activity Festival, where free classes are run to encourage women to get active. Projects On The Go Currently, we are working with NHS Kingston to deliver the Change4Life Programme in Kingston, which consists of the Walk4Life and Bike4Life projec... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:28:32 GMTWe’re proud to say that our facilities at YMCA Hawker Centre and YMCA Wimbledon have both received accreditation from the Inclusive Fitness Initiative or IFI. IFI is a programme that “supports the fitness industry to become more inclusive, catering for the needs of disabled and non-disabled people alike”. To be accredited our facilities have to be fully accessible, we must provide equipment that can be used by everyone and our staff must be trained to IFI standards. For more information about the Inclusive Fitness Initiative, you can visit the English Federation of Disability Sport's website here. Our gyms at YMCA Hawker Centre and YMCA Wimbledon are accessible to wheelchair users, where we have specialised equipment. We also have a number of classes designed specifically for disabled people across all our sites, li... ]]>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:58:54 GMTWe run a number of sports classes across our centres, whether you want to get competitive, improve your technique or just try something new. At the YMCA Hawker Centre adult Tennis classes take place every Monday evening and Wednesday lunchtime, with courses for beginners and improvers. Courses for children are hugely popular, running most days after school and during school holidays. At YMCA Wimbledon on a Tuesday evening you can try your hand at Volleyball, a sport actually invented at Holyoke YMCA, Massachusetts in 1895. If you can't wait until the weekend to play Football, there is an indoor session that runs every Friday lunchtime (a great way to run off the stresses of the week with workmates). If you prefer a sport to be a little more relaxing, YMCA Wimbledon also offer Indoor Bowls on a Friday afternoon. We also run Karate, Aikido Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:05:24 GMTYMCA Parsons Green (David Ensor House) offers affordable accommodation to students and young workers between the ages of 16 and 45. There are 27 single self-catering rooms arranged over three floors. The YMCA enjoys a good location right in the heart of Fulham and is only two minutes walk from Parsons Green District Line tube station. Facilities include: Shared kitchens and bathroom TV lounge Laundry room Rent including bills is £155 per week. There is currently a waiting list for accommodation. To add your name, please apply in writing to: Sharon Hardy Del Risco 6 Parsons Green Parsons Green SW6 4TQ or call 020 7736 4878 Young worker's and student accommodation is also available at YMCA Surbiton &... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:25:41 GMTWhether it's a sunny afternoon in July or a frosty morning in December, Hampton Open Air Pool will be open and undoubtedly somebody will be doing lengths.  The water is kept at a tropical 28 degrees all year round and open 365 days a year. Even Christmas day! The 36 metre pool usually has two or three lanes dedicated to fast or steady swimmers with the rest of pool available for recreational swimmers and families. There is also a separate shallow learner pool, 12.5 metres by just over 7 metres wide, for babies and toddlers to splash around in.  Swimming LessonsThe pool runs swimming lessons all year round for all ages, either as a group or individually. Intensive courses run throughout the school holidays for children of all abilities and in addition we run snorkelling, water polo and rookie lifeguard courses during the s... ]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:32:26 GMT Y+ GymsY+ Fitness operates at YMCA Surbiton, YMCA Wimbledon and YMCA Hawker Centre. Our fully air-conditioned gyms offer the latest cardio and resistance equipment along with free weights to vary your routine making sure you get the most out of it. At YMCA Hawker Centre and Y+ Fitness has a membership option to suit everyone. All our memberships include unlimited access to the gym and all our classes; over 50 a week. Plus, all members get free access to our Get Started Programme (worth over £100 if booked as separate appointments). You can pay monthly or annually and concessions are available for specialist groups.There is no annual contract with monthly membership, all we ask is a minimum commitment of three months. Alternatively, you may choos... ]]>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:54:30 GMTThe YMCA London South West Strategic Plan covers the years leading up to 2015. Five years worth of projects, large and small, grown from our Christian vision to nurture, grow and change lives through our work in housing, fitness, children's and youth work. It is a five year plan, which is a long time to look ahead and YMCA LSW is a large organisation serving many different communities. So, where do you start?  Well, we began by looking at all our operational areas and asking three questions: How can we best develop our facilities, programmes and staff to meet the needs of our communities? What are those needs likely to be? How do we make sure that the services we deliver are of the excellent quality we aspire to? It's a journey and the world has changed in ways that were difficult to predict back in 2009 when it was drawn up, but we've made good progress. If you would like the read the Pla... ]]>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:07:04 GMTAt YMCA LSW, through dance, sport and music we provide opportunities for young people to be creative. To learn an instrument or to play football with an FA qualified coach. At Open Room, young people have the chance to talk through problems with our staff on the streets of Wimbledon. At Skills Academy young people are given a second chance at finishing their education when in danger of being expelled. And at the Basement, a wide variety of activities and events take place including relaxed group discussions about faith and live gig nights. The large majority of these activities are free to the young people. They are funded through surpluses in other areas of the Association, through grants or through donations to YouFund, a dedicated fund purely for our work with young people. Contact Room website coming soon. In the meantime, please contact annamacshane@ymcals... ]]>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:26:06 GMTEveryone knows how important exercise is and the benefits it can bring. At Y+ Fitness you’ll find everything you need to get started and to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Whatever your goal, be it to lose weight and fit into last year’s jeans; train for a marathon; improve your mobility after an operation or to work off the stresses of the day, Y+ Fitness can help you achieve it.   Why Y+? We call our fitness facilities Y+ Fitness because we offer several extras that you won’t find at other clubs. Extras like our ‘Get Started’ programme, IFI accreditation and the fact that we have several flexible membership options including the option to ‘pay as you go’.   Perhaps the biggest ‘extra’ is the knowledge that all surpluses from Y+ Fitness are used to support YMCA LSW’s projects with vulnerable young people. So, by choosing ... ]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:03:16 GMTYMCA London South West have been caring children for over 50 years and run activities for all ages from tots to teenagers.  Under the Space banner our Children’s Work team operate over six YMCA Centres spread across Kingston, Merton and Richmond. We offer Holiday Camps, Breakfast, After School Clubs & Crèche, Children's Activities and Sports Tuition. As well as our own Centres, we also work in partnership with several local schools to provide... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:29:33 GMTAt YMCA LSW, we provide accommodation for single homeless people in our hostels in Wimbledon and Surbiton. We recognise the individual and understand the varied needs of our residents. We offer a warm and non-judgmental environment and our staff are committed to helping where it's needed. We are funded by the Supporting People programme and work closely with a wide range of external agencies and organisations to ensure that we provide the best service possible. Every supported resident is assigned a Support Worker and together, they will develop a support plan that will eventually lead to independent living. As part of our holistic approach we also offer counselling, life skills classes, social activities and opportunities to explore spirituality and faith. These services are funded by surpluses from our social enterprises (Y+ Fitness and Canteen) and monies raised by fundraising via As a registered charity, we are governed by a group of 11 trustees, who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that the association is realising its vision of being a Christian charity where people can come as they are; be met at their point of need and come to know live in all its fullness. Board of Trustees The Board is the governing body with ultimate responsibility for YMCA London South West. It is made up of men and women who are elected from its Full Membership.   Strengthened by their collective Christian faith and diverse richness of talent and experience, they freely give their time and professional expertise to guide the strategic direction of the Association.   The Board works very closely with the Senior Staff Team, under the leadership of the CEO, to ensure that the day-to-day operation of YMCA London... ]]>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:14:59 GMTAt YMCA London South West we have activities for all ages. Popular with seniors, we have many Y+ Fitness members who are well in their 80's (our most senior is 89!). Regular exercise is important as we grow older to help maintain bone strength, mobility and keep our hearts healthy. It's the best anti-aging treatment we know! Y+ run a wide range of classes that are suitable all for all ages and abilities, as well as several that are specifically tailored for the over 50's. Canteen is a great place to meet up with friends for lunch or coffee and is home to Lunch Club which meets once a month for a traditional, home cooked British meal. We also hold regular social events with seniors in mind like The Tea Pot Club and the Y Social (YMCA Surbiton). Every month, we organise an accompanied... ]]>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:33:54 GMTFri, 10 Aug 2012 07:00:18 GMTWith the summer holidays just around the corner, now’s the time when teenagers start to plan for those six weeks of no school. For those aged 13 to 15, one option that might appeal is the Junior Leadership Scheme, which provides the opportunity to work at one of YMCA LSW’s children’s summer camps. On the free two week programme, participants work with children aged 4 to 11 with the scheme designed to develop leadership skills, promote team working and allow them to gain experience of working with younger children. It’s ideal for anyone who is thinking about a career or future paid work with children. The scheme, now in its 9th year, is run in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kingston’s Out of School Development Team and will be based at YMCA Hawker Centre. Funding from the local Borough allows the places to be offered for free. YMCA LSW will be running two sessions, from 1st to 12th August and 15th to 26th August. Throughout... ]]>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:20:20 GMTSports personality and Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris Hollins visited YMCA Hawker Centre this week to shoot scenes in the steam room for his new BBC1 show The Great British Weather. The show will explore our obsession with the British weather, give answers to why on earth it’s raining so much as well as take us on a storm chasing adventure in Milton Keynes. The Hawker steam room played a vital role in illustrating how warm air holds moisture. While at the YMCA Hawker Centre, we asked Chris a few questions about gyms, dancing and fitness classes: What’s your relationship with the gym like? Whenever I come to the gym I always think back to my Strictly Come Dancing days because I spent five hours a day in the gym’s dance studio practicing and practicing. When I see the weights I don’t think of pumping iron, I think of the Cha Cha Cha. I hate going to the gym and find it ... ]]>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 20:51:54 GMT