1844

The YMCA Movement was founded in 1844 by George Williams, who decided to form a bible/study group with young men from various Christian denominations and called it the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association).

It was probably the first ecumenical Christian organisation in the world.

1871

Nottingham YMCA was founded in 1871 and by 1900 had become known as Central YMCA because of its importance. It was a multi-site organisation even then - located in Long Eaton, Beeston and West Bridgford, and there was even a golf club in Mapperley.

1930s

Today, Nottingham YMCA has been in its current location for over a hundred years, although in the 1930s the original building was demolished and a new one erected which is where our head office is today

During the 1930s the YMCA was considered to be a very prestigious organisation and was well supported by the Thomas Cook family and Boots. However, later financial setbacks meant that the organisation was forced to widen its mission and diversify.

1982

In 1982 Nottingham YMCA became a Housing Association.

1995

95% of Nottingham YMCA activities were housing related. The turnover of the Association was £440,000, and 23 staff were employed.

A new team of both Board Members and Executive Management was recruited to create and drive the vision of the Association. This vision was created with an emphasis on Quality, Christian Environment and Development of individuals.

1996

The year 1996 was primarily 'A year about raising standards, forward planning and reorganisation'.

During this time, our Shakespeare Street Building became Listed Grade 2, Will Wakefield (Chief Executive) became a graduate of Common Purpose (a networking, development and training organisation), and not least, the Association saw the introduction of a counseling service for the residents.

1997

In 1997, proceedings began to secure our basement of the Shakespeare Street building back from the Students Union (who held a long term lease on the area) to develop a new Health & Fitness Centre.

1998

The half million pound Health & Fitness refit was completed in 1998, and we were invited by the City Council to lease and run the International Community Centre (ICC) on Mansfield Road.

This renewed drive prompted the Chair of the Board to comment: "The YMCA is not so much recovering its former role in city life, as redefining itself as an organisation fit for a new millennium" (Rev. Richard Clark, Chair's Report 1997/1998).

1999

After careful planning, 1999 saw the launch of Double Impact, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation YMCA/Common Purpose partnership project with a £30,000 European Funding Grant.

We also achieved the Investors in People standard - the first YMCA in the Midlands Region (of fourteen YMCAs at the time)! This coincided with the first Community Sports Officer post.

2000

Due to the success of managing the International Community Centre on behalf of the City Council, the Millennium year saw Nottingham YMCA invited to manage and develop The Aspley Boys Club into a YMCA centre at Melbourne Park, Aspley. Hot on the heels of our IIP accreditation success, a Work Based Learning Centre was established through matched funding, aimed at the development of the staff.

Our international arm also saw along term partnership established with the YMCA in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The Association turnover reached £1m for the first time in the year 2000 - an excellent way to start the new millennium.

2001

2001 saw a Healthy Living Centre initiative open in both
St Ann's and Shakespeare Street - the project had 11,328 participants in the first year of operation - a success by anyone's standards!

The Government signals a new housing grant called Supporting People, but as it had not been developed at the time, a Transitional Housing Benefit scheme was introduced, and, after much work and preparation, our bid was successful.

2002

The Association completed the transition to a financially sustainable structure in 2002, based on the vision and resulting Corporate Plan. As the Supporting People framework is completed by the Government and Local Authorities, Nottingham YMCA successfully achieved funding from this scheme.

2003

In 2003, Mansfield Young Persons Centre, now known as Mansfield YMCA, opens - a 22 bed quick access hostel facility for young people aged 16 - 25 years who are in crisis. In consultation with the local Primary Care Trust, an ‘exercise on prescription’ programme,– ‘Y for Life’, was launched and saw 84 patients in the first year of operation. Whilst on the theme of raising fitness levels in 2003, we successfully bid for a grant of £110,000 from the Football Foundation to facilitate coaching for disabled children.

2004

Due to the diverse working areas, Nottingham YMCA is renamed Nottinghamshire YMCA, with a remit to work in any area of the globe. The Social & Youth Inclusion project begins, focusing on young people aged 14 to 28 years from the BME community. Set up to run for just six months, it exceeds all expectations. At the same time, a school pastoral programme commences in a local school. Following on from our IIP accreditation, we achieved the Work Life Balance Award as an Association - the first British YMCA, and only the 29th organisation in the entire UK! Following a £20,000 grant from Barclays Bank, the Barclays Suite opens providing residents with a computer training room and professional kitchen. The major refurbishment enjoys extremely high levels of activity!

2005

2005 saw three move-on houses open in Mansfield for existing Mansfield YMCA residents who are ready to embrace independent living. Tony Egginton, Mayor of Mansfield, is key note speaker at our celebration of 'Changing People's Lives’.

A long way from Mansfield, a partnership between Nottinghamshire YMCA and Zambia YMCA is formed, where good practice and management skills are passed on. Carrying on the international work, Nottinghamshire YMCA funded the creation of a YMCA in Malawi.

2006

As Nottinghamshire YMCA enters it's 135th year, the Staff Engagement process began, which identifies and builds further on individual's strengths as opposed to their weaknesses with an aim to making the good, great!

Additionally we launched our Volunteering Scheme and, in April, opened the first YMCA in Malawi ...ever!

2007

The new Y59 Coffee Shop and Training & Skills Development Centre open their doors for the first time

2008

In-house design came to the Association, dramatically speeding up design and marketing turnaround and enabling a much more in-depth, thorough design process.

2009

March saw our flagship fitness centre Club Y officially opened by England Rugby star Martin Corry, whereas April saw this very website totally re-designed from the ground, up.

November began as our new Outdoor Education & Leadership programme did, focusing on teamwork, planning & reviewing and personal development, while taking part in adventurous activities.

The Future

With an evergrowing family of expertise and the necessary attitudes adopted for an everchanging future, we can look along the path ahead with hope and excitement towards even bigger and even better projects and programmes, including forthcoming Design & Digital Media Apprenticeships.

We'll keep you posted!