Coffee & Powers of Connection: How Human Bonds Can Change Lives

Welcome to UK Coffee Week, a time to celebrate our love for a good cup of coffee and, more importantly, the connections that come with it. At YMCA Leicestershire, we’ve seen first-hand how something as simple as a chat over a hot brew can spark support, understanding, opportunities  and community.

Just like a fresh coffee, we believe in being a warm, comforting presence for those who need us, when they need us. Our mission is to support young people, families, and individuals in Leicestershire, offering services like housing, training, and emotional support. But what ties all of these together? Meaningful connections – those moments where people feel truly heard and seen, much like the simple joy of sitting down for a coffee with a friend.

In a world that often feels more disconnected, disjointed and chaotic than ever, the power of human connection remains one of the most profound forces for change. At YMCA Leicestershire, we see first-hand how genuine relationships can transform lives – creating ripples of support, empowerment, and hope in our community.

But what exactly makes connection so powerful?

Connection Brings Comfort and Belonging

One of our deepest needs as humans is to feel like we belong, to be part of a community where we are accepted and understood. When someone feels isolated – whether through hardship, mental health struggles, or simply the challenges of life – the act of reaching out can be life-changing. A single meaningful interaction can provide a sense of comfort, reminding someone they’re not alone in their journey.

At YMCA Leicestershire, we are witnessing this every day. When a young person feeling unsure about their future they may find confidence through a mentor who listens. The family facing hard times might feel hope again after receiving the right support. These connections create a sense of safety and belonging, a foundation from which people can begin to rebuild their lives.

Connection Inspires Growth

It’s been proven over and over again, that we grow through our relationships with others. When we connect, we exchange ideas, broaden our perspectives, and gain access to new opportunities. For young people in particular, having someone who believes in them – a mentor, a coach, a friend – can be the key to unlocking their potential.

The impact of these connections is often long-lasting. At YMCA Leicestershire, we offer programs that create these moments of connection, where young people can build confidence, learn life skills, and take steps toward brighter futures. Through the power of human connection, we see people discover their strengths and break through barriers that once seemed insurmountable.

Connection Builds Resilience

Life throws many challenges our way, and it’s our connections with others that often help us weather the storm. A support network provides not only practical help but emotional strength. Whether it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or just knowing someone is there, human connections reinforce our resilience.

We’ve seen young people who, after experiencing homelessness or family breakdown, have found stability and hope through the relationships they’ve built with our staff, volunteers, and fellow residents. These bonds are what give them the strength to keep on going, even in the face of adversity.

Connection Heal

Sometimes, what we need most is just to be heard. Human connection allows people to heal – emotionally, mentally, and even physically. A strong support system can reduce stress, improve mental health, and contribute to overall well-being. For individuals who have faced trauma, hardship, or loss, finding someone to share their experiences with can be the first step toward recovery.

At YMCA Leicestershire, we provide spaces where healing connections can happen, whether through counselling, peer support, or simply creating an environment where people feel safe to be themselves. These moments of connection become the foundation for healing and transformation.

Connection Creates a Stronger Community

When people come together, they create a web of support that extends far beyond individual relationships. Connection strengthens communities, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and care. When we are connected, we are more likely to look out for one another, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that touches many lives.

At YMCA Leicestershire, we believe in the power of community. Every connection made, every life touched, contributes to a more supportive, inclusive Leicestershire where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The Ripple Effect of Connection

The beauty of connection is that it doesn’t just change one life it can change many. When we make time for others, whether through a simple conversation or offering more structured support, we contribute to a cycle of positivity that lifts individuals, families, and entire communities.

At YMCA Leicestershire, we see the ripple effect of these connections every day. From young people finding their footing after a challenging time, to individuals gaining the confidence to pursue their dreams, human connection fuels transformation.

So, whether it’s reaching out to a friend, volunteering your time, or simply taking a moment to listen, remember: the power of connection is immense. Together, we can change lives, one connection at a time.

So, as you sip your coffee this week, think about how you can connect with those around you. Maybe it’s checking in on a neighbour, catching up with a friend, or simply taking a moment to listen, remember: the power of connection is immense. Just like coffee, these little actions warm our hearts and keep us going. So, why not celebrate UK Coffee Week by making time for these small but powerful moments? Together, we can create a Leicestershire where everyone feels valued and supported – one cup, one conversation, and one connection at a time.

The Jobs Disadvantage

A recent report from the Social Mobility Commission didn’t hold back: “Class privilege remains entrenched as social mobility stagnates.” Essentially, professional jobs are still largely in the hands of those born into professional families, who benefit from better education, unpaid internships, and well-connected networks that give them a head start. While the Commission rightly emphasizes the need for more investment in education, especially for 16-18 year olds, there’s another key element to consider: the role of employers. And what does this mean for the young people who come through our doors at the YMCA?

More employers are starting to see the importance of tackling social mobility, particularly in cities, where companies are finding ways to attract and hire diverse local talent. While graduates from privileged backgrounds often have the advantage of being highly mobile, those from working-class backgrounds tend to be the most dedicated employees. But for those from truly disadvantaged backgrounds, just getting a foot on the ladder can be a huge challenge, despite their best efforts.

Hiring from disadvantaged backgrounds isn’t just about doing the right thing socially – it’s actually a smart strategy for the long haul. But to make it work, employers need to understand the unique hurdles these young people face.

Consider the work done by ‘We Rise in Brixton’ with young people in Lambeth, many of whom are at risk of unemployment due to poverty. Black Caribbean boys, in particular, face significant challenges, especially after age 16. These young people grow up in tough environments – families struggling to make ends meet, dealing with sick or distressed parents, caring for siblings, and attending under-resourced schools where they’re often labelled, stereotyped, and/or excluded.

Yet, despite all of this, the young people they work with – and those we see at YMCA Leicestershire – are bright, funny, enterprising, and ambitious. They have a deep understanding of life and an incredible resilience.

In contrast, kids from middle-class families often have a safer, more secure upbringing, with parents who guide them, create enriching experiences, and invest in their cultural and conversational development. On the other hand, children from disadvantaged backgrounds or those in our care face insecurity, neglect, emotional turmoil, fear of violence, and limited exposure to the city’s rich culture. This makes it harder for them to achieve good grades, and it often takes them longer to find the right path after GCSEs.

So, recently it’s been a huge win for two of our residents who not only achieved fantastic A-Level results but have also decided to pursue further education at university.

Employers need to realise that even the brightest and most talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds might have gaps in their knowledge and experience compared to their middle-class peers. They come from a different cultural context and might not be familiar with the “usual work chat” about topics like Brexit, climate change, or the latest movies and music.

This is why traditional interviews and selection processes, which focus on personal presentation and “polish,” often put working-class kids at a disadvantage. The typical “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give me an example of…” questions can be particularly tough for them to navigate.

On a related note, through several conversations with my generation (50+) and recent reports about retailers regretting the move to self-scan checkouts, the topic of ‘Saturday Jobs’ came up. Many of us remember starting out as paper delivery kids, checkout operators, shoe sales assistants, record store clerks, and babysitters. But where did all those entry-level jobs go? That might be a topic for another post, but it’s worth noting that a new ONS dataset reveals that economic inactivity among 18-24-year-olds (those not seeking work or getting interviews) has risen from 28% ten years ago to over 33.3% in 2024. Opportunities have dried up, and with the social gap widening in the UK, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are finding it harder and harder to access meaningful work and careers, despite their potential.

But there’s an even deeper issue at play: a profound, often hidden, and sometimes crippling lack of self-belief. These young people have ambition, but deep down, they often don’t think they deserve much or have much to offer. Many of the young people we work with never even consider the opportunities that big companies provide. They don’t hear about these opportunities, and even when they do, they often think, “That’s not for me. I’m not good enough/smart enough/experienced enough” (you can fill in the blank with their reasons). Too often, they rule themselves out before they even try.

Navigating the world of opportunities can be incredibly confusing, especially without parental support. But when given a chance, these young people are eager to grab it. It’s amazing how powerful a simple, genuine conversation can be.

So, how can we have more of these meaningful conversations with young people?

Today’s youth learn about the world through social media and often feel a personal connection to the bloggers they follow. This creates huge opportunities to connect on a more human level. Yet, we often find that communication from big companies fails to resonate with these kids.

If we want diverse young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for these opportunities, we need to take a different approach. Companies, businesses, and their recruitment teams need to speak in a way that resonates with these young people, actively seek them out, and make it clear that they are wanted.

So, the question is… Are you ready to try something different?

The Power of Toast

The humble slice of toast, mainly seen as just a quick cheap breakfast item, holds a surprising power, especially for those who may feel isolated or lonely. For individuals who don’t interact with many people during the day, toast can serve as an unexpected source of connection, nourishment, and routine.

 

Fostering Connection and Conversation

Toast, paired with tea or coffee, has an almost universal appeal and a way of bringing people together. For someone who feels lonely, the couple of minutes (depending on your preferential degree of burntness) waiting on the toaster to pop up can be a simple act that opens the door to interaction. Whether it’s residents sharing breakfast on a table with another resident or staff engaging in a brief chat about anything the toast becomes a shared experience. Even in solitude, and often the young person will take their toast to their safe space, the act of having made the toast connects people to a larger social ritual, often sparking memories or small moments of human interaction.

Toast Talk “In prison we had a trolley just like that, small quiet wheels, we would queue up and make our own toast – I like that you offer to make the toast but it’s not necessary, I can do it….but thank you”

 

Providing Comfort and Nourishment

Beyond its social dimension, toast also provides physical nourishment, often offering a small but important source of nutrition, particularly when paired with toppings like peanut-butter, jam or Nutella. Our Lady Kate informed me that a peanut/Nutella Combo on toast is known amongst her homeless breakfasters as a Snickers and it has become a favourite. I take a tiny pleasure in introducing new people to Marmite, generally on first bite they thank me and wonder where this manna from heaven has been missing all their short lives – occasionally it can go wrong and they run off to spit it up cussing me as they go. For individuals who struggle to maintain a balanced diet, especially those living alone, toast can serve as a reliable and manageable way to start the day with something warm and nutritious. The act of preparing and eating toast can be grounding, a small comfort that helps ease the feeling of being disconnected from others. The joy of serving a young person a plate of hot buttery toast is a simple kindness that both staff and residents benefit from.

 

Building a Sense of Routine and Structure

The ritual of making toast can give a sense of purpose and structure to a person’s day, vital for those who might struggle with a lack of routine. Starting the day with a simple activity, like making toast and tea, can set the tone for more organisation and calm throughout the day. This act can become a comforting anchor, a predictable and dependable moment that provides stability, even if other parts of the day feel uncertain or empty.

Toast Talk “My course starts at 9.30, if I am here at 9 I can have tea, milk, 3 sugars and 2 toast. I sit quiet in the window area and watch the traffic. I like to think about the day at college. Sometimes I am a bit late, just a few minutes, I blame the toast”

 

Empowering Small Acts of Self-Care

For people who may struggle with feelings of loneliness or isolation, simple self-care routines like making toast can become acts of empowerment. It reminds them that they have control over certain aspects of their day. Even something as seemingly small as choosing a topping or deciding on the right level of crispness can be a way to assert personal preference, providing a subtle boost to one’s sense of autonomy.

Toast Talk “I move out later this week, there is no fear like there was when I moved in, I am calm now and I have people who care. When I come back to visit can I still have breakfast?”

 

A Symbol of Simple Joy and Connection

What makes toast particularly powerful is that it is accessible to almost everyone. It’s easy to make, versatile, and can be prepared with minimal effort, which makes it particularly important for people who may not have the energy or motivation to engage in more complex activities. But more than that, toast is warm, comforting, and familiar, making it an ideal vehicle for fostering moments of peace, connection, and small talk—whether it’s with another person, or simply with oneself.

In short, toast isn’t just a food; it’s an invitation to pause, to engage, to reflect, and to nourish both the body and the soul. For people facing loneliness or isolation, toast can be a powerful and grounding presence, enabling connection and providing a sense of purpose, even on the quietest of days.

No cereals are disrespected in the writing of this ode to toast and various cereals are also available on the trolley (toast is the most popular).

Breakfast at YMCA Leicestershire is on offer every weekday from 8.30 – 10.00 a.m. and Toast Talk are anonymous quotes from residents.

𝐘𝐌𝐂𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞 attend National Conference

 

YMCA England and Wales National Conference 2024 in Nottingham
YMCA England and Wales National Conference 2024 in Nottingham

 

Hold on to your hats because Thursday, July 4th, 2024, kicked off with Election Day and the start of the YMCA England and Wales National Conference! It promised two days of excitement and engagement at the East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham.

Roy O'Shaughnessy at YMCA National Conference 2024 in Nottingham
Roy O’Shaughnessy at YMCA National Conference 2024 in Nottingham

Hundreds of eager delegates from across the nation showed up bright and early, grabbing their tea and coffee before diving into a jam-packed day (and a night of election-watching!). Roy O’Shaughnessy, the Conference Chair and YMCA National Board Chair, gave a hearty welcome in the Conference Theatre. “We’re here to celebrate YMCA’s awesome work nationwide,” he cheered. It was a delightful mix of new and familiar faces, with some folks just weeks into their YMCA roles (including yours truly) and others boasting over 40 years of service!

Paul Brown CEO of YMCA Leicestershire at YMCA National Conference 2024
Paul Brown CEO of YMCA Leicestershire

Paul Brown, Chief Executive of YMCA Leicestershire and National Board member, then kicked off with an inspiring devotion, sharing his YMCA journey. His passion and drive led him to become Chief Executive at just 36, making him the only Black chief executive at YMCA England and Wales for over a decade. Paul’s story, including dealing with a tasteless anonymous gift, highlighted his relentless fight against discrimination and his commitment to the youth he serves and why he is considered by many in attendance as someone we should all look towards in leadership.

Youth Ambassadors at YMCA National Conference 2024
Youth Ambassadors at YMCA National Conference 2024

The first main session saw Jack Chesterman, Campaigns Manager at YMCA England & Wales, introducing Youth Ambassadors Siana Beard, Declan Carr, and Jessica Marriott. These young heroes bravely shared their experiences and roles, overcoming nerves to deliver powerful presentations.

Denise Hatton at YMCA National Conference 2024
Denise Hatton at YMCA National Conference 2024

Next up, Denise Hatton, National General Secretary of YMCA England & Wales, delivered a punchy address on the theme “Now’s Our Chance,” inspired by YMCA’s Manifesto and future work. “YMCA is now larger, stronger, more influential, and more cohesive, with a clear direction to serve young people and their communities,” she said. “This conference is the place to forge lasting working relationships.”

Mark Gifford at YMCA National Conference 2024
Mark Gifford at YMCA National Conference 2024

After lunch, Mark Gifford, Chief Executive of the National Citizen Service, highlighted some worrying stats: 20% of young people live in poverty, and over 10% are out of education and training. Despite these challenges, Mark’s message was one of hope and breaking barriers.

The afternoon was buzzing with workshops: Richard James on YMCA St Pauls Group’s new Wimbledon development, Chris Kirkwood and Leo Copsey on YMCA Lincolnshire’s Youth Investment Fund project, and many more inspiring sessions from various YMCAs.

Ben Page of IPSOS at YMCA National Conference 2024
Ben Page of IPSOS at YMCA National Conference 2024

Day one wrapped up hilariously with Ben Page, Chief Executive of Ipsos, dissecting the General Election’s implications for the charity sector with humour and honesty. And yes, he wore red socks… purely coincidental?

Soheila Hayek World YMCA at YMCA National Conference 2024
Soheila Hayek World YMCA at YMCA National Conference 2024

Day two kicked off early on Friday with more tired eyes than coffee cups, mainly through election watching and not the previous nights Bingo. Roy O’Shaughnessy welcomed everyone back before Soheila Hayek, President of World YMCA, discussed YMCA’s global impact. “YMCA’s magic is in being both local and global, with YMCAs worldwide believing in our mission.”

The morning buzzed with over 15 workshops on leadership, marketing, impact data, and more. After a quick lunch, we dove into the final sessions.

Rev Richard Cole at YMCA National Conference 2024
Rev Richard Cole at YMCA National Conference 2024

The grand finale featured Strictly Come Dancing legend and part of The Communards, the Right Reverend Richard Coles. He delivered a keynote that took us through his incredible life journey, from homelessness to the YMCA, music, the church, and even a bit of dancing. (Marc, our new marketing guy, even snagged a cheeky selfie with him!)

Marc and Rev. Richard Cole at YMCA National Conference 2024
Marc and Rev. Richard Cole at YMCA National Conference 2024

The conference concluded with Roy O’Shaughnessy’s final words, marking the end of a truly inspiring event. With over 350 delegates from more than 45 YMCAs, it was the most well-attended conference to date, already setting the stage for next year.

From my perspective as a newbie, the conference was brilliantly organised, filled with passionate people dedicated to empowering young people in England and Wales. YMCA, one of the oldest charities, continues to ensure every young person has a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become. Cheers to that!

𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐌𝐂𝐀

𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐊 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐌𝐂𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞

Thursday 27th June, marked a significant event for us with the inaugural Gallagher UK Golf Championship Day, successfully raising funds for YMCA Leicestershire. The day featured golf teams, raffles, and a Charity Auction, which all contributed to the YMCA cause.

The first ‘Overall Winners’ of the Gallagher UK Golf Championship were the team from Pride Consulting IMS , led by director Ryan Lunham, alongside teammates Matthew Powell , Michael Slattery, and Simon Knowles. Congratulations to the Pride Consulting team for their remarkable victory!

The 'Overall Winners' of the Gallagher UK Golf Championship were the team from Pride Consulting IMS for YMCA Leicestershire
The ‘Overall Winners’ of the Gallagher UK Golf Championship were the team from Pride Consulting IMS

Our ‘Nearest the Pin’ Winners, sponsored by Parallel Office and Document Solutions Ltd, Melita POS Ltd, Rock Kitchen Harris, and QFS Manufacturing Limited , were Ronan Homer and Mike Slattery, who each received a certificate and a ‘𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥.’ Notably, Sam Armstrong won two ‘Nearest the Pin’ awards, earning two certificates and two ‘𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬.’ (Please make up you own joke here…)

Our ‘Nearest the Pin’ Winners, sponsored by Parallel Office and Document Solutions Ltd for the Gallagher Golf Day for YMCA Leicestershire
Our ‘Nearest the Pin’ Winners, sponsored by Parallel Office and Document Solutions Ltd

The ‘𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞’ sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance UK , was claimed by Luke Watson from RW WINDOWS LTD with an impressive monster of a drive that stood unchallenged. Luke, it’s your title to defend next year!

The ‘𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞’ sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance UK for The YMCA Leicestershire Golf Day
The ‘𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞’ sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance UK

The ‘𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡,’ awarded by PGA ‘AA’ Professional and Level III Coach Tony Westwood for outstanding putting prowess, went to Mick Reeves, a guest of Red Carpets Leicester.

The ‘𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡,’ awarded by PGA ‘AA’ Professional and Level III Coach Tony Westwood for YMCA Golf Day
The ‘𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡,’ awarded by PGA ‘AA’ Professional and Level III Coach Tony Westwood

Lastly, the ‘𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐧’ was humorously awarded to event founder and supporter Andrew Franks and his team, including YMCA Leicestershire Trustee David Glover, who opted to forgo scoring for the day… (that was the excuse given after 18 holes anyway!)

The ‘𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐧’ Award for the YMCA Leicestershire Golf Day
The ‘𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐧’ was humorously awarded to event founder and supporter Andrew Franks and his team.

The Gallagher UK Golf Championship Day was filled with great humour, and camaraderie and enjoyed a day full of good golf, bad golf, awful shots, over trees, under trees and wombling free (probably) and creating memorable moments.

Paul Brown, CEO of YMCA Leicestershire said, “The commitment of people to return next year speaks volumes about the event’s success and its support for one of Leicestershire’s oldest charities, the YMCA. So thank you to everyone for making this event a triumph for YMCA Leicestershire! We look forward to working with Gallagher UK to making an even bigger and better event next year!”

 

For more information on how you can help YMCA Leicestershire: JUST CLICK HERE!

 

Sleep Easy at King Power raises £16,000

On Tuesday 16th May 2023, 55 volunteers arrived at King Power Stadium with sleeping bags in hand, ready to swap their beds for cardboard boxes to support local people experiencing homelessness.

 

After some smooth jazz courtesy of Curtis and Steve and an introductory talk by YMCA Leicestershire CEO, Paul Brown, our participants headed out into the area and set up their cardboard boxes where they’d be sleeping for the night.

 

With a prize on the line for best designed box, there was no shortage of fairy lights and flags, not to mention multi-storey box set-ups complete with a tuck shop, courtesy of our enthusiastic volunteers from the Co-op.

 

 

“The sleep-out was a truly eye-opening experience. Spending the night out in the open with nothing but a sleeping bag and a cardboard box is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It was cold, uncomfortable, and I didn’t sleep a wink. To think that there are young people who have to do this everyday, without security, proper sanitation or the promise of a sausage sandwich and a nice warm shower is absolutely heartbreaking.” – Gemma, RKH

“My thoughts around taking part were that, as humans, we all have to understand that life and circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. Any of us could become homeless through no fault of our own and I think it’s really important for us all to humble ourselves. This experience was just a small glimpse of how difficult it is for people living on the streets.”  Charlene, PA Housing

After a rough night’s sleep, our volunteers joined us for some morning exercise followed by hot drinks and breakfast courtesy the Holiday Inn.

 

Through their fundraising efforts, we raised close to £19,000 for local homeless young people and adults. These funds will enable YMCA Leicestershire to continue running and expand its vital services, which include providing safe and welcoming accommodation for homeless people aged 16-25, as well as personalised skills sessions to enable young people move forward positively with their lives.

 

We would like to thank everyone who took part and created such a buzz in the stadium including individual fundraisers and staff from Rock Kitchen Harris, PA Housing, Central England Co-Operative, Parallel, Unite Students, Hays, Leicester City Football Club and Leicester City in the Community, VF Corp, YMCA Coalville shop and YMCA Leicestershire staff.  The event would not have been possible without the huge support of an amazing venue and the support of Leicester City Football Club, exercise classes from LCFC in the Community, music from Curtis and Steve, breakfast at Holiday Inn Express, boxes from VF Corporation, marketing and promotion from RKH and FU Media.

 

If you would like to help support YMCA Leicestershire’s work with homeless young people and adults, you can click here to donate.

Want to get involved in fundraising? Follow us on social media  or sign up to our e-newsletter below to keep up to date with our latest events and opportunities.