Paul Smith

YMCA Manchester

Established in 1846, Manchester YMCA is one of the oldest YMCAs in the world. Over the years its services and facilities have adapted to the changing needs of the community to the point where its main emphasis is now on physical recreation and youth & community work within a philosophy of care and concern for others. The YMCA is currently located at our Castlefield site which was purpose built in 1990 with the 48 bedroom Castlefield Hotel, and a state of the art sport and fitness facility, the Y Club. Manchester YMCA has a history steeped in sporting excellence. The YMCA Harriers was established in 1882 and is one of the oldest running clubs in the world. The YMCA Wrestling club was established in 1912, is a founder member of the British Wrestling Association and has produced many Commonwealth and Olympic Games athletes. Our Fives club (a game similar to squash) was established in 1912 and is one of the only clubs in the country outside of a public school. We also have well established basketball and volleyball teams that compete in leagues against teams across Greater Manchester. The third arm of the present day YMCA is our Youth and Community Services. We provide a programme of personal development for young people with learning needs and deliver a Level 1 Award in Fitness and Physical Activity. Our Mental Health Champions programme is engaging with over 600 young people aiming to tackle the symptoms of anxiety and stress-related disorders in some of the most deprived boroughs of Salford. We have also recently commenced a new programme of Social Prescribing to support people who are experiencing weight issues and/or mental health problems that can be addressed through a wholistic and psychologically informed wellbeing programme, focused on achieving heathy weight and/or improved mood. Manchester YMCA is a member of the worldwide YMCA family, operating in more than 100 countries with over 30 million members.