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 ... ]]>Tue, 08 May 2012 21:06:24 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

• 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... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 07:12:30 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 300 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 young people to
    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.
    
    
    ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 01:14:52 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 ... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 11:07:10 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, 17 May 2012 00:27:50 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 (... ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 21:11:49 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 ... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 12:05:22 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). Members can use the gym between 9am and 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) Monday to Friday and anytime at weekends. At Hampton Pool, members can use the facilities between 3pm and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
    
    How do I start?Parental permission is required, together with a passport sized photo and a joining fee of £15 (£30 at Hampton Pool). Club 1316... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 11:37:11 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
    Tue, 01 May 2012 14:56:44 GMTAddress

    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.
    
    ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 15:21:02 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.

    ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:44:54 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... ]]>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:56:24 GMTDavid joined the Board of Trustees in autumn 2010. He has been a journalist for nearly six years working across Surrey and south west London and is currently Chief Reporter of the Surrey Comet and Kingston Guardian.

    David has also been a volunteer youth work worker, worked for a family charity and spent time within the civil service.

    ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:45:47 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
    ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 21:47:14 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.

    ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:46:10 GMTJohn was born and raised in Bolton, Lancashire and has lived in south west London for over 30 years. He spent his College life at Liverpool University followed by a few years in local government.

    John has a grown up family of three daughters, who keep him on his toes, and has run a Town Planning and Development Consultancy business for the last 18 years.

    John first got involved in the Kingston YMCA in the mid 1990's helping with the acquisition of properties for 'move on' accommodation and has been working on behalf of the YMCA, home and abroad, ever since.

    ]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:46:27 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... ]]>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:00:21 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, 02 Nov 2011 09:53:09 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 day trips, Lunch Club, fitness and dance classes there are other activities run specifically for seniors across YMCA LSW Centres.
    
    The Hawker Bowling Club play at the YMCA Hawker Centre and are hardy souls playing rain or shine and only coming indoors to play in the main hall come winter. They are a friendly bunch and welcome new faces whether they are regular bowlers or complete beginners.

    YMCA Surbiton is home to The Teapot a group that meets every Wednesday at 2.30pm in Canteen for afternoon tea and a natter. Likewise the Y Social who meet every Thursday evening. New seniors soon feel at home as Joyce (the YMCA Organiser) takes great care to involve everyone and introduce newcomers to the group.

    YMCA Surbiton is also the base for We’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 GMTResistance training (weight training) and cardiovascular training are beneficial at any age. YMCA LSW offers good gym facilities with equipment suitable for everyone with well-trained staff on hand to offer advice.

    Resistance training using machines or free weights will help to build bone strength and improve flexibility, both of which decline as we get older. The treadmill, stepper or stationary bike will get your heart pumping, improve cardiovascular fitness and help keep the dreaded middle-aged spread at bay.
    
    Use the gym at a time to suit you or join in with one of the supervised group 'Gym & Tonic' sessions that are especially designed for seniors.

    Details of our senior programmes may be downloaded below or call your local Centre.
    
    YMCA Surbiton
    
    Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:59:37 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... ]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 02:57:34 GMTHeads of Departments

    Sharon Devi, Head of Care Services
    Email: sharondevi@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
    Email: Church. 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... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 21:27:22 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... ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 00:17:02 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 300 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... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 01:14:22 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

      Senior Staff Team

      Stuart Leamy, Director of Finance
      Email: stuartleamy@ymcalsw.org

      Neil Sherringham, Director of Human Resources
      Em... ]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:40:37 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 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 K... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:20:50 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, 02 Nov 2011 09:56:51 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, 02 Nov 2011 09:56:27 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.
      
      EventsWellSprings Course
      A 6 week course of refreshment and pampering, looking at issues women face today from a Christian perspective.
      
      Mondays at 6.15pm in the Chapel at YMCA Wimbledon: 12th, 19th, 26th March & 16th, 23rd, 30th April
      
      Places are limited so please contact Carolyn Skinner on 020 8545 8568 to book your place.
      
      Coffee Morn... ]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 09:35:47 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 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 option to suit all budgets. Children's parties are available at Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:10:43 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 ... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:30:37 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, 02 Nov 2011 09:30:17 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 schoo... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:57:18 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. Details of our next trip to Bird World on 18th May may be downloaded here. ]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 14:36:29 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... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:19:24 GMTAll our dance and fitness classes are open to all ages, however some are designed specifically for the 50 plus. Try Gentle Exercise, Fit 4 Life or Classic Fitness. These sessions are designed to stretch you, provide a thorough work-out, but at a pace you're comfortable with. If you like to dance, you are spoilt for choice with Ballroom, Tap, Jazz, Latin Rhythms, West End Jazz and Line Dancing. Dance is a fun and social way to improve fitness, with many class members staying on afterwards for a coffee and a chat. Away from the dance floor, Yoga and Pilates are particularl... ]]>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:12:17 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... ]]>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:43:48 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 ... ]]>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:40:22 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 ... ]]>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:12:22 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 It’s great experience and good for their cv’s. Find Out MoreMusic Room: Wimbledon Sports 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  ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:33:14 GMTEvery summer the Junior Leaders scheme gives young people aged 13 to 15 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 ... ]]>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:00:33 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... ]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:26:03 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 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:18:10 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 GMTY+ Gyms Y+ 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. There will always be a fully qualified instructor available to give advice; while the Get Started Programme will ensure you know how all the equipment works and the benefits of each exercise. At YMCA Hawker Centre and YMCA Wimbledon our gyms are IFI accredited, meaning that they are fully accessible to and have specialised equipment for disabled people. Hampton Pool users can use the Poolside Gym and studio. Please visit their website for full details. Y+ Classes Getting fit and maintaining a healthy lifes... ]]>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:03:22 GMTY+ Fitness has a membership option to suit everyone. You can pay monthly or annually and concessions are available for specialist groups. Membership includes gym and classes. There is no annual contract with monthly membership, all we ask is a minimum commitment of three months. Alternatively, you may choose to use the gym or take part in a class on a ‘pay as you go’ basis. Flexible fitness for less than £1 a dayAn annual membership start from £320 and includes the ‘Get Started’ programme free of charge (usually £25).  Individual monthly memberships start from £32 per month. Discounts are available if you join as a Corporate Member (five workmates become members at the same time), Student Member or if you join as a Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:45:54 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 ... ]]>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:02:50 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 South West continues to be relevant within the local communities it serves. If you would like a... ]]>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:16:33 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, 09 May 2012 14:35:51 GMTFri, 04 May 2012 08:29:19 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... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 17:05:25 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 ... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 10:53:09 GMT