Local charity makes it to final stages at national youth charity awards

An innovative project providing continued access to health and wellbeing during Lockdown has been shortlisted for the Health & Wellbeing Project of the Year Award at the highly anticipated return of YMCA’s Youth Matters Awards Ceremony on Friday 5 November. 

The Bath Health & Wellbeing Centre run by YMCA Brunel Group is based at International House, Broad Street Place and the gym staff there took a positive approach to the challenges posed for the fitness industry when the UK went in to Lockdown in 2020. The team quickly pulled together an accessible and varied fitness programme that could be accessed via zoom, free of charge, every day. 

The team overcame strong competition from other incredible YMCAs across England and Wales to make it to the final stages, and was praised by judges for their work to ensure fitness was accessible at a time when mental health and wellbeing was being impacted by the pandemic. 

Mike Fairbeard, Chief Executive of YMCA Brunel Group said: 

“We are so thrilled and honoured to have made it to the finals stages for the amazing title of Health & Wellbeing Project of the Year! Our team has worked incredibly hard to support our young people and community through an exceptionally difficult time, and regardless of the outcome on the night, I could not be prouder of everything they have delivered and achieved.”  

Youth Matters is YMCA’s national awards programme marking an integral part of the charity’s calendar since 2009, and was sorely missed last year due to COVID-19. It celebrates the outstanding skills and achievements of young people from across the country and also recognises the vital work that YMCAs deliver every day. After an incredibly challenging time, this year’s awards are even more vital in recognising the innovation and resilience shown by YMCAs in the continued and unwavering support shown for their communities. 

Locally, the charity provides accommodation and support for homeless 16-25 year olds in the city.

Read more about online at ymcabath.org.uk, and for more information on YMCA’s Youth Matters Awards visit www.ymca.org.uk/about/awards.