Who we are
Southend YMCA is a leading registered charity and social housing provider based in Southend On Sea and in Essex.
We work with children, young people, families, and the wider community, delivering high-quality education, outstanding accommodation, youth work, and community projects.
These aid personal, social, cultural and moral development as well as improved health and wellbeing to the people of Southend and surrounding areas.
About Us
Our Mission
Our organisation aims to "stand in the gap" through delivering safe and effective services which address the needs and aspirations of children and young people and helps to transform their lives.
This means that as adults they are in employment, have a decent home, a living wage, good health, emotional wellbeing and can sustain family and community life.
Our Values
At Southend YMCA, we have adopted the YMCA movement values, which shape the way we work, make decisions, and support the people and communities we serve. These values are at the heart of everything we do and reflect our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all.
We Seek Out - We never stop looking for ways to transform lives for the better.
We Welcome - We respect, support, and protect without fail. Everyone is included, and everyone belongs.
We Inspire - We build — and rebuild — people’s confidence in their own strength, and foster conviction in everyone’s potential.
We Speak Out - We stand up for what’s right, advocate when needed, and encourage people to find the power of their own voice.
We Serve Others - We are committed to the wellbeing of others in mind, body, and spirit, and to fair and equitable opportunities for all.
, which shape the way we work, make decisions, and support the people and communities we serve. These values are at the heart of everything we do and reflect our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all.
We Seek Out - We never stop looking for ways to transform lives for the better.
We Welcome - We respect, support, and protect without fail. Everyone is included, and everyone belongs.
We Inspire - We build — and rebuild — people’s confidence in their own strength, and foster conviction in everyone’s potential.
We Speak Out - We stand up for what’s right, advocate when needed, and encourage people to find the power of their own voice.
We Serve Others - We are committed to the wellbeing of others in mind, body, and spirit, and to fair and equitable opportunities for all.
"We Invest in People" Gold Accreditation
Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People (IIP), said: “We’d like to congratulate Southend YMCA. Gold accreditation on We invest in people is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places. Southend YMCA in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”
Commenting on the award, Syrie Cox, CEO of Southend YMCA, said: “The IIP award belongs to our incredible staff and volunteer team. They do great work and make a huge difference to the community of Southend. I am so proud of the way in which they live out their values working tirelessly for children, young people and families. Our projects are life changing.”
We believe that the success of our organisation begins and ends with people. If we make work better for everyone, we make work better for the organisation. And if we do that… we make society stronger, healthier and happier.
