Staff Spotlight – James Beddard

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I started at YMCA Worcestershire in the summer of 2023. Having been made redundant from a very corporate insurance job, I wanted to do something with more social impact, which led me into housing. I’d had various roles with local authorities, my last being Young Persons Pathway Worker at Worcester City Council, where I worked…

George’s 34km swim!

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Our very own Redditch life coach, George Barnicoat-Cherry, recently took part in a remarkable fundraising challenge with Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA). Alongside his team, he swam the equivalent of the English Channel – 34km – in the River Avon near Tewkesbury. To make it even tougher, they completed all 680 widths in full PPE,…

Mud, Sweat and Support

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This month, the YMCA Worcestershire family laced up their trainers, braved the mud, and joined forces to conquer the Wolf Run. Staff from across the organisation—including all three of our nurseries—came together to face a course packed with obstacles, icy water, and plenty of determination. Their efforts paid off, raising over £1,000 to support young…

Staff Spotlight – Marie Openshaw

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My name is Marie, and I’m the Cleaning Operative at Foresters in Worcester. I’ve been part of YMCA Worcestershire for 12 years, starting back in 2013 as a volunteer cleaner when my daughter began full-time school—and I haven’t looked back since! From the very beginning, the residents and staff were so warm and welcoming that…

Games, Grit & Great Company

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Staff and residents came together at Abbey Stadium, Redditch, for this year’s eagerly awaited YMCAlympics — a celebration of sport, teamwork, and community spirit under the blazing summer sun. Alongside the much-loved athletics classics of sprinting, shot put, and long jump, this year’s line-up featured a lively frisbee match and a short but mighty duathlon,…

Staff Spotlight – Mike Hall

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This month, we celebrate Mike. His passion and commitment to our YMCA is inspiring and we’re so thankful to have him with us! He says – “I first joined YMCA Worcestershire in December 2019 as an Assistant NCS Programme Coordinator, simply looking to support young people and gain experience in the sector. What I found…

Upcoming dates for your diary!

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Upcoming Community Events – Get Involved! As summer rolls in, we’ve got an exciting line-up of events and activities for the whole community to enjoy. Whether you’re up for a bit of volunteering, want to support local initiatives, or are just looking for some fun for the family, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars…

From Westminster to Worcestershire

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We were delighted to welcome Chris Bloore, Labour MP for Redditch and newly appointed Parliamentary Patron of YMCA England & Wales, to Gordon Anstis House recently. His visit to Number 53 wasn’t just about enjoying a few sweet treats—it was a vital opportunity to showcase the passion, progress, and purpose that define YMCA Worcestershire. Joined…

An action packed summer!

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Our Youth Engagement Team are gearing up for an unforgettable summer—and inviting children and young people aged 8–16 to be part of it! With exciting activities, new partnerships, and multiple locations, our Summer Holiday Clubs promise to bring energy, creativity, and connection to every single day of the school break. This year, we’re thrilled to…

Staff Spotlight – Caroline Prentice

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This month, we celebrate the passion and dedication of Caroline, Deputy Nursery Manager at Squirrels Nursery, Redditch. “The YMCA has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I first attended the play-scheme during the school holidays and loved it so much I began volunteering at 15. I was a shy…