YMCA Brunel Group

We are so excited for our wonderful Thrive 16+ Housing Project, which has been shortlisted for Housing Project of the Year at this year's Youth Matters Awards!

Thrive 16+ offers supported housing to young people aged 16 - 25 who are at risk of homelessness. Each night, it provides accommodation and support to 95 young people, many of whom are care leavers or have experienced adversity, trauma and instability. With a team of dedicated staff, our service does more than provide housing. It helps young people build confidence, resilience and hope, with many former residents staying in touch long after they leave.

Only a few days left you vote! please show Thrive 16+, as well as Jack Clemit and Daystop your support! Vote now: https://campaigns.ymca.org.uk/page/196415/survey/1?ea.tracking.id=235321

Little Shoots Nursery in Trowbridge was visited this week by Jess from the Big Brush Club, who came along to observe the children brush their teeth.

Brushing has been a part of the daily routine at the nursery and Jess was very impressed with the children's knowledge, enthusiasm and skill in the important activity, as well as the engaging set up by staff. Jess said that Little Shoots Nursery is her star model!

We are so so proud of Jack Clemit from our very own YMCA, one of the finalists for Young Achiever of the Year!

Jack joined us at the age of 18 after very recently becoming a wheelchair user, and has since shown incredible resilience and determination.

After a rigorous 8-months of training, Jack broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest half-marathon in a non-athletic wheelchair. On top of this, Jack is studying for a physics degree, volunteering at the local hospital, and learning sign language.

Show your support now, just a moment of your time could be life changing for Jack: https://campaigns.ymca.org.uk/page/196415/survey/1?ea.tracking.id=y%20hub

One week left to cast your vote!

Please vote for us in this years Youth Matters Awards! Just a few moments of your time could lead to a life changing moment for our nominees.

Our categories:
- Young Achiever of the Year – Jack Clemit, YMCA Brunel Group
- Housing Project of the Year – Thrive 16+, YMCA Brunel Group
- Support & Advice Project of the Year – Daystop, YMCA Brunel Group

Vote now: https://campaigns.ymca.org.uk/page/196415/survey/1?ea.tracking.id=235321

Meet Mike, our CEO, who’s been hands-on this week creating Welcome Packs for young people moving into our Thrive 16+ supported housing in East and South Somerset. Each pack is filled with essentials—bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies, notebooks, and more—thanks to generous fundraising and community support. Mike says, “We want every young person to feel valued and truly at home from day one.” These packs are more than just items—they’re a warm welcome and a fresh start.

A huge good luck to everyone receiving their A level results today! We know it’s a day filled with excitement, nerves, and big dreams. Whether you’re celebrating or feeling a little disappointed, remember—this is just one step on your journey, not the whole story. There are so many paths ahead, and things often work out in ways you never expected. With Bath and Bristol both buzzing with student life, we hope to welcome some of you soon—whatever your next adventure brings. Wishing you all the very best for today and the future!

It's ! Here at YMCA Brunel Group, every day is youth day, but today is a special day to celebrate young people and highlight the challenges they face.

Here are 5 ways that we as a charity support young people:
1. Each year, we take around 25 young carers to the annual Young Carers Festival, where they can socialise, enjoy festival activities, learn new skills and create life-long memories.

2. Each new resident in our supported housing, which supports young people aged 16-25, receives a fully kitted out Welcome Pack upon arrival. We want young people arriving with us to feel like they belong and have hope for their future.

3. We encourage and support our young people to be active, meaningful participants in their community, such as events like the Glastonbury Pride Parade.

4. Through workshops, lunch clubs and creative sessions, we facilitate numerous opportunities for young people to new learn skills and discover new passions.

5. Perhaps most importantly, our staff at YMCA Brunel Group are safe and trusted adults that our young people can come to for support in anything they need.

We are beyond excited to announce that we've been shortlisted for the Youth Matters Awards 2026 in 3 categories! Now, we need your votes and shares to give our finalists the best chance possible as winning, because they truly deserve it!

Vote now via this link: https://campaigns.ymca.org.uk/page/196415/survey/1?ea.tracking.id=235321

Our categories:
Young Achiever of the Year - Jack Clemit at YMCA Brunel Group
Housing Project of the Year - Thrive 16+ at YMCA Brunel Group
Support & Advice Project of the Year - Daystop at YMCA Brunel Group

Please offer your support by voting and sharing, it only takes a few minutes and would mean the world to Jack and our staff in Thrive 16+ and Daystop!

It's International Cat Day! Shout out to Nellie the Cat, who looks after our residents in our Adult Supported Housing. What a legend!

Our CEO and Chair of Trustees recently attended the 21st YMCA World Council in Toronto, Canada. Held every four years, the event brings together YMCA staff, trustees and volunteers from across the globe to network, share ideas, attend workshops, and celebrate the impact of the YMCA movement worldwide.

Mike and David attended as part of the YMCA England & Wales delegation, joining representatives from YMCAs around the world for a week of learning, collaboration and inspiration.

Mike said:

"In all my years with YMCA, I had never attended a World Council before, so I was delighted to have the opportunity before retiring next year. It was an incredible experience and gave me the chance to meet YMCA colleagues from around the world, learn about their work, and share ideas, challenges and successes.

We attended inspiring workshops, phenomenal opening and closing ceremonies, and a range of excellent events hosted by YMCA Canada. It was a real privilege to be part of such a global gathering and to see first-hand the passion and commitment that exists across the YMCA movement.