The YMCA - What's the first thought you have when someone mentions us? The Village People's hit from the 70's? Charity shops in UK High Streets? Hostels and housing?

It's all part of our history - but there's a lot more to us, globally, nationally, and locally at Southend YMCA.

The YMCA is a global movement - with a presence in 125 countries and each one is an individual charity.

Why is this though? In every part of the world, on local levels, the needs of young people and communities are completely different. By having local organisations working hands-on in their localities, these needs can be better understood and met. YMCAs are united by a common purpose: Working towards social justice and peace for young people and their communities regardless of religion, race, gender or culture.

Southend YMCA works across the unitary borough of Southend, and the Essex Districts of Basildon,Castle Point and Rochford.

Our mission is to 'Stand in the Gap' - by providing services and projects that are unique, to motivate young people to become proactive in the community, and sometimes to simply give them access to opportunities that they otherwise would not have. Its because of this we are always developing what we do to address the un-met needs and aspirations of young people.

There are 135 YMCAs in England, 150 YMCA charity shops, and 1 million young people benefitting from the services of YMCAs in England alone every year.

At Southend YMCA we focus on housing, education, volunteering, support for fledging businesses and other positive activities. We reach out to, and recruit, young people through working with schools, colleges, youth organisations, social media, public events and council departments.

We have 12 projects running at Southend YMCA including; supported housing for 30 young people; youth volunteering (Motivate); night time economy provisions (SOS Bus); sports recreation and education (Team YP); music education (Switch Studio); food technology education (More Food for Thought); preparing young people for employment and education (Prince's Trust); advice and support for fledgling businesses (Eco-Hub) and much more!

We are able to make this happen because of the people we work with: staff, volunteers, funders and the support of local communities. We're always looking for ways that you can help us, visit our Help Us page to find out more.