History & Heritage

2019

YMCA Bath Group and YMCA Mendip working towards a merger : Both YMCA’s have been collaborating since late 2017 when both trustee groups agreed to work towards merger. Due diligence has been completed and from April 2018 both YMCAs have been led by a single Chief Executive and from April 2019 by a single senior leadership team with close working through the organisation.

2017

YMCA Mendip celebrates its 125th Anniversary, with a celebration being held in Wells Cathedral.

2017

Started to offer the Nightstop project in Bath giving emergency accommodation to 16-25 yr olds
Started offering Platform for Life accommodation across B&NES.

2015

YMCAs in Wales affiliate to the National Council to form YMCA England and Wales.

2003

The Community Building at Frome Foyer opened to provide a Routes One Stop Shop, which was originally developed in partnership with Connexions. This project enables direct access to information, advice and learning opportunities for young people.

2002

YMCA Mendip opened its Frome Foyer as the Managing Agent, for YMCA England who were the Registered Social Landlord. The Foyer houses 12 self-contained flats, 2 emergency bed spaces (with shared facilities) for young people aged 16–25yrs. The Foyer provides a stepping-stone to independent living with comprehensive support to assist young people with basic life skills and help to access training, education, employment and other learning opportunities.

1996

The current YMCA Mendip headquarters, The Old Glasshouse, opened in January of this year.

1991

Wells YMCA became re-established, but changed its name in to  “YMCA Mendip” to reflect its growing area of work after adopting the same boundaries as Mendip District Council.

1984

Y Care International, the overseas development agency of YMCA in the UK and Ireland is established. Today it supports projects for vulnerable young people in over 20 countries worldwide.

1970s

During the 1970s, YMCA increases its emphasis on young people most in need, focusing on homelessness and unemployment.

1960

The British Government publishes the Albermarle report about the need for better leisure facilities for teenagers. This results in many YMCAs beginning youth clubs to promote young people’s personal development.

1917-1928

In 1917 a Centre was opened at the War Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, by the National Council of YMCA’s and taken over by YMCA Bath in 1920. During the whole period a total of 39,000 men passed through its wards benefitting from YMCA support.

1914-1918 (WWI)

During the First World War, YMCA supports the troops. YMCA huts provide soldiers with food and a place to rest on the frontline or at home in military camps and railway stations.
YMCA embarks on a massive education programme for soldiers, which eventually becomes the Army Education Corps.

The red poppy is introduced by an American YMCA worker and goes on to become a worldwide symbol of remembrance for those lost in the World Wars.

1894

On the 50th anniversary of YMCA, George Williams receives a knighthood from Queen Victoria.

1891

The American YMCA invents basketball and goes on to invent volleyball in 1895.

1884

YMCA Bath appointed their first General Secretary named Mr J A Stooke.

1879

The American YMCA opens its first gym.

1872

YMCA Bath moved to No 4 Bridge Street staying there only a year.

1864

YMCA Bath moved to No1 Milsom Street to more suitable premises.

1851

Following links made at The Great Exhibition in London, YMCA spreads across the globe and YMCAs are established in the USA and Canada. Seven years after it was established, a YMCA is formed in Boston, USA.

1845

YMCA spreads outside London and branches are set up in Manchester and Leeds.