More Than Just A Gym
Alma Stewart chats with CEO of Fylde Coast YMCA, Graham Oatridge, about the centres’ success and support services that have guaranteed the longevity of this international charity
Created from humble beginnings in nineteenth century London, 22-year-old draper, George Williams, joined together with a group of friends to organise the first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), a refuge of Bible study and prayer for young men seeking escape from the hazards of life on the streets of London.
Now 180 years later, this charitable organisation has grown to serve more than 65 million people across 120 countries, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. Through gym membership, funds are reinvested into local communities to support the health and wellbeing of the area and supporting young people with housing and outdoor education.
Leading the helm across the Fylde Coast from the headquarters in St Annes, Graham describes his journey to the top job: “From my family home in Whitestake, I returned to the area around 20 years ago, settling in Ansdell. I was always interested in sport and have always been fairly active, so following my degree in Sports Science, I embarked on a career in health and wellbeing because it is so valuable to be active both physically and mentally.”
Graham worked within this sphere in local government and the NHS before starting his career with YMCA as part of a national health and wellbeing programme, commuting to London when necessary: “The difference with YMCA is its vision and mission. It’s not just about keeping fit and active. It’s looking at opening up relationships and being part of a bigger network. YMCA encompasses mind, body and spirit, holistic health. Social relationships are so important to living a positive life so our centres are not just transactional,” he explained. Following the retirement of the previous CEO after 27 years in the role, Graham stepped into the top job in 2021, ensuring the work of YMCA continues to grow.
Alongside YMCA’s extensive health and fitness programmes runs a young people’s housing and leisure offer with a host of positive success stories. Graham continued: “We are proud to support young people and help them with a fresh start. Many young people leave the family home for a number of reasons and we can help by providing a support worker and a place to live. We realise that it’s good foundations that contribute to helping people thrive. Without the basics such as jobs, banking, a place to stay, it’s very difficult to maintain physical and mental health.”
YMCA Fylde Coast began in 1922. During more than 100 years it has worked with a number of trusted partners and reflected societal changes. In the 1980s, support with housing was introduced and later, training and education for young people providing help across the area where it was needed.
“We support young people regardless of circumstances,” Graham added. “Whether privately educated or living in deprivation, we can help because there are always challenges whoever you are. With a large aging population in the area, things are not always geared up for the young and so we aim to redress this balance in some way.”
Just some of the people that have turned things around with the help of YMCA include a young homeless person going on to win a community recognition award and a refugee whose parents had tragically been killed, who went on to graduate with a degree from the University of Central Lancashire. “We have a trauma-informed approach and our team recognise a number of behaviours so they can tailor support accordingly,” said Graham.
The business currently owns 60 units of accommodation around the Fylde Coast which vary from typical residential houses to blocks of flats which include supported accommodation. The organisation is also able to charge cheaper rents for their young people just starting out on the road to independence.
Last year, YMCA Fylde Coast welcomed 300,000 visits in Fylde (1,000,000 across its portfolio in Fylde, Wyre and Cumbria), 50,000 of those were school swimmers and turning over £8m. And as Graham highlights, many of the services he oversees are delivered by volunteers: “We are not shy in asking people for support and although we commission paid project and consultancy work, we always need people who are willing to lend a hand. This could be within a host of areas such as fundraising, mentoring, coaching or, as we have greatly appreciated recently, some invaluable marketing work.”
Last winter, YMCA also hosted some warm spaces to provide free meals and drinks to support some of the older population in need of support. Young people can also learn so much about outdoor activities at YMCA Lakeside hidden within 100 acres of private woodland along the south-western shores of Lake Windermere.
As a centre of excellence in outdoor learning, YMCA have been operating there for more than 60 years. In that time, the team have helped more than a million young people to build a better future.
To find out more, visit: ymcayactive.org
