A Lasting Tribute

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Celebrating 40 Years of Dedication, Heart, and Community  This month we had the absolute joy of celebrating Sue Broughton, who has devoted an incredible 40 years to YMCA Worcestershire — and to keeping Willow Trees Community Centre running like clockwork through the good times and the bad. Sue is, quite simply, the heart of Willow…

Staff Spotlight – Karen Cullum

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I feel so privileged to be back at HMP Hewell with Helen Smith — and grateful to the YMCA for helping make it happen! After two years away I was a little nervous, but Helen’s built such great relationships across the departments that it truly feels like one big family. Hewell is like a town…

Big YMCA Games Night!

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Last month saw the YMCA buzzing with laughter, friendly rivalry, and the occasional cry of victory (or despair!) as we gathered for our Games Night — a fun-filled evening brilliantly organised by Dave Knatt and Jody Tabberner. Colleagues, friends, and family came together to take part in a packed line-up of games including a brain-teasing…

Branching Out

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Staff from across departments recently joined forces to tackle a thorny challenge at First Class Nursery — clearing dense bushes from the fencing and entrance in preparation for an exciting garden makeover. Working side by side, the team achieved great results while enjoying the chance to connect beyond their usual roles and routines. Though we…

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…