Catherine Hook

One YMCA

About us: Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values, YMCA delivers a range of programmes and services that tackle the issues facing local people and ensure that there are opportunities for young people throughout our work, from apprentices to work experience and childcare to youthwork. We work with all ages, faiths and backgrounds, as part of a global network of 14,000 YMCAs. We have served the communities in Hertfordshire for more than 127 years and we reach 1000,s of people each day. YMCA's key strategic objectives are: Making a positive impact on the lives of young people in the community Working to combat homelessness in our area Providing excellent family services in the local community Improving the health and well-being of those who most need it Underpinning our work through fundraising, awareness and support services One YMCA: 2014 was one of the most significant in the YMCA's 127-year history in Hertfordshire, as YMCA Central Herts merged with Watford YMCA, to form YMCA West & Central Herts. This merger has made us one of the largest charities in the county and gives us a firmer foundation from which to deliver more and better services to those who need it most, also allowing us to represent their views more effectively to local decision-makers. In short, we have become stronger as one YMCA. The merger has brought its challenges, but overall has been a very smooth transaction and thanks must go to the dedicated Central Services team members who have burnt the midnight oil, as well as our committed and passionate staff members who have taken the changes in their stride and kept focused on delivering high-quality activities to our service users. Our people are our greatest asset and they regularly go the extra mile to make an enduring difference in the lives of local people - differences which so often prove life-changing.