Your files are ready.
Click Download to start the download.
Download
YMCA Core Messaging
General messaging options to amplify YMCA's reputation and increase support
180 Years of YMCA
General messaging options
Inspired by our collective approach to communications during YMCA’s manifesto work earlier this year, we have created a suite of messaging and assets to speak about 180 Years of YMCA across the Federation, focusing on our purpose and vision as an organisation.
Our hope is that these resources can be easily adopted as part of your regular social media scheduling to further highlight YMCA’s collective impact and purpose, while also celebrating our incredible history and heritage.
We appreciate as ever that capacity is tight, so ideally would ask each YMCA to share one post per week from the messaging and graphic options below between now and December, building them into a cycle and re-using when you reach the end to further enhance visibility.
Let’s harness the power of collective communication to boost brand awareness and understanding of YMCA’s impact!
Message 1 — Advocacy
Why YMCA? Because together, we can create lasting change.
YMCA’s campaigning work has helped generations — and our commitment to advocacy, social change and youth empowerment is stronger than ever.
Discover how YMCA’s advocacy drives positive change and join us in celebrating 180 years of impact.
More at: ymca.org.uk/about/campaign
#YMCA180
4/4 items
Message 2 — Faith
Why YMCA? Because at our heart is a spirit of faith and community. Our Christian roots inspire us to create programmes that nurture both spiritual and social wellbeing for all.
Join YMCA in celebrating the inclusive spirit that has guided us for 180 years. Our faith-based initiatives continue to make a profound impact on individuals and communities.
Discover how YMCA’s Christian values shape our mission and inspire programmes that promote spiritual and communal growth.
More at: ymca.org.uk/about-us
#YMCA180
2/2 items
Message 3 — YMCA Work
Why YMCA? Because YMCA is more than a place… it’s a movement.
Discover the stories of those we empower every day. From housing to education, youth work to mental health, YMCA is dedicated to making a positive impact on individuals and communities.
Join us in celebrating the lives transformed by YMCA’s programmes and initiatives over our 180-year legacy and beyond.
More at: ymca.org.uk/what-we-do
#YMCA180
10/10 items
Message 4 — Vision & Values
Why YMCA? Because of the strong vision and values that inspire our work across 688 communities every day.
At YMCA: We seek out; We welcome; We inspire; We speak out; We serve others.
Intrigued to find out more? Visit ymca.org.uk/our-vision-and-values
#YMCA180
1/1 items
Message 5 — Global
Why YMCA? Because we operate at the heart of communities across the world.
Our global movement is a powerful force for good, fostering community and youth development.
Learn about YMCA’s collaborative efforts across 120 countries, promoting inclusivity and addressing mounting challenges through our united mission to make a difference on an international scale.
Find out more at ymca.int/vision-2030
#YMCA180 #Vision2030
Message 6 — Purpose
Why YMCA? Because we believe in fairness and opportunity for all.
There are essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home; acceptance; guidance; friendship; physical and mental health; academic support; employment skills; and access to real opportunities.
Many young people have never known these things; other people have lost one or more as they grew up, but we all need them. All of us.
At YMCA, we provide these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.
#YMCA180
5/5 items
Message 7 — Supporters
Why YMCA? Because of the incredible young people we support.
Because of our unique, collaborative relationship with the communities we serve.
Because of you. Without your support, donations and engagement we wouldn’t have survived to the ripe old age of 180, and with your support, we can’t wait to see what the next 180 years has in store.
Find out how you can get involved at ymca.org.uk
#YMCA180
1/1 items
Message 8 — Retail
Why YMCA? Because we’re different!
Our 100+ charity shops operate at the heart of local communities, and community is at the heart of everything we do at YMCA.
Money raised at YMCA charity shops goes towards helping transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people each year in almost 700 communities across England and Wales, from providing a warm bed and access to food banks, to vital mental health support for those in need.
Find out more at ymca.org.uk/shops
#YMCA180
1/1 items
Message 9 — Legacy
Why YMCA? Because after 180 years, our work matters more than ever.
For eighteen decades YMCA has been right at the heart of your community, shaping lives through innovation, support, and inclusivity. From nurturing the talent of tomorrow to providing essential services for young people every day, YMCA has a rich legacy of making a difference.
Together, let’s celebrate 180 years of impact and the enduring value of YMCA in people’s lives.
Find out more now: ymca.org.uk/about-us
#YMCA180
2/2 items
Message 10 — Quote
Why YMCA? Because of our resilience, adaptability, and evolution.
[INCLUDE SHORT QUOTE FROM SOMEONE AT YOUR YMCA USING THIS YMCA 180 QUOTE TEMPLATE]
Example below from Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales:
“Embracing our accolade as the world’s oldest and largest youth organisation, YMCA is the definition of an unstoppable force; one that has steered communities and countries through war, natural disaster and pandemic alike, and continues to forge forward for the people it supports.”
#YMCA180
Additional Messaging
More ways to speak about YMCA to raise awareness, trust and support
National Brand Hub
YMCA's Purpose
Everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.
YMCA believes in fairness and opportunity.
There are essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home; acceptance; guidance; friendship; physical and mental health; academic support; employment skills; and access to real opportunities. Many young people have never known these things; other people have lost one or more as they grew up, but we all need them. All of us.
At YMCA, we provide these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.
Family & Youth Work
Creating positive outcomes with children and young people in their communities, and support for families with nursery, day care, holiday and year-round programmes.
We offer young people safe spaces to explore who they are, make good decisions, increase their self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills and build emotional resilience — giving them the confidence and skills they need to live, learn, work and achieve. We help whole families to flourish. We have safe and trusted Early Years care and developmental activities, family support and mediation help when difficult issues arise at home or school, summer and school holiday camps, and activities that are just plain fun for everyone.
Health & Wellbeing
Gyms, sport and recreation for fitness, and community hubs for classes, social connection and collaborations.
Wellbeing is the crucial foundation that enables people to develop in all areas of their lives. Fitness and exercise are part of that, but so too are having a place to belong; opportunities to be included in a community by socialising with friends or volunteering to help others; being able to get outdoors and have contact with nature; learning new skills; having meaningful work; and being able to see achievable opportunities for the future. At YMCA, our approach is always to support wellness by supporting the whole person.
Housing
Providing a home and personalised support services for a fresh start in life.
We provide safe, affordable places to live that feel like home and focus on community spirit and togetherness. Our approach to support is based on strengths, and our residents are always at the
centre of their own support plans. The support they receive reflects their aspirations to access education, training, employment and volunteering, their future housing needs, and addresses any physical and mental wellbeing needs. Our aim is to empower residents to gain the tools and skills that enable stability, independent living, promising futures, and connection to their communities.
Support & Advice
A safe place to talk and get help through guided groups, mentoring, counselling, and mental health services.
Sometimes the offer of a listening ear can be the first step to overcoming a crisis, or to prevent a crisis from occurring in the first place. Sometimes people have experienced real trauma and have nowhere left to turn, and sometimes they just need some guidance to think an issue through and make a good decision. Whatever the situation, everybody should have somebody who supports them when needed, so we provide qualified guidance to help people build — or rebuild — their belief in themselves and a bright future.
Training & Education
Opportunities to gain qualifications, skills and employment.
We break down barriers to educational success and employment opportunities so that people can fulfil their potential and gain meaningful employment. Some YMCAs provide education and training themselves; others work with local partners and support people into those programmes. We help with CV writing, interview skills, self confidence and motivation, and connect people to local companies for apprenticeship and employment opportunities. Our goal is to see people thrive as they contribute to the community where they live and work.
