YMCA Norfolk

18/10/2026

Founded in Norwich in 1856, YMCA Norfolk has supported local communities for nearly two centuries. They’ve stood alongside young people through wars, the Great Flood of 1912, economic hardship, a global pandemic and profound social change. Despite this long and significant history, much of YMCA Norfolk’s social heritage remains undocumented and at risk of being lost.

Funded by the Nation Lottery Heritage Fund, our new project, 'Belonging Through Time: YMCA Norfolk at 170', will uncover hidden histories, untold stories and unsung heroes from the charity’s past. By capturing the voices and lived experiences of former and current service users, staff and volunteers, the project will create a lasting legacy to share the impact YMCA Norfolk has had throughout the county.

Over two years, the project will be run by Henry and Michael, our lovely heritage staff, with an aim to involve both the community and children, young people and families in shaping and co-producing its outputs. It will deliver three public exhibitions across Norwich, Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn, alongside a ten-episode podcast series and documentary-style video capturing stories from past and present. A 170-year heritage book will be produced and distributed across the county, complemented by a heritage walk in Norwich that will highlight key locations. Educational resource packs will be distributed to primary schools, while photographs, artefacts and oral histories will be collected, digitised and preserved as part of a lasting archive. Together, these outputs will ensure YMCA Norfolk’s heritage is both safeguarded and widely accessible.

Young people currently engaging within YMCA Norfolk’s services, particularly those who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion, will play an active role in researching, collecting and interpreting YMCA Norfolk’s heritage, developing skills in storytelling, oral history, research and digital media. This approach will ensure the heritage is not only preserved, but brought to life in inclusive and meaningful ways.

Do you want to get involved in our heritage project? Find out more at www.ymcanorfolk.org/about-ymca-norfolk/our-history/

17/10/2026

🌟 A huge thank you to Trend Marine Products! 🌟

Our children at Muddy Puddles Nursery are already having so much fun with the wonderful mud kitchen kindly donated by Trend Marine Products.

Outdoor play is such an important part of early years development, encouraging creativity, imagination, teamwork and exploration.

The new mud kitchen has quickly become a favourite feature in our outdoor area, inspiring plenty of muddy masterpieces and happy memories!

From everyone at Muddy Puddles Nursery, thank you for your generosity and support. Your donation is already making a real difference to the children who enjoy our nursery every day. 💚

https://www.trendmarine.com/

16/10/2026

For 170 years, YMCA Norfolk has stood alongside young people, helping them navigate life’s challenges and build more hopeful futures, but our work is far from finished.

Today, too many young people face homelessness, poor mental health, isolation and barriers to education and employment. Every young person deserves the chance to feel safe, find their place and fulfil their potential.

That’s why, as we celebrate 170 years of YMCA Norfolk, we’re launching our £170,000 for 170 Years campaign:

• To provide safe accommodation.
• To support wellbeing and build confidence.
• To create opportunities through education, training and employment.
• To make sure young people have somewhere to turn when life gets tough.

Every donation, fundraiser and share can help us continue this work.

Our past has been shaped by people who care. Our future depends on people like you.
Will you help us write the next chapter?

👉 Donate today and be part of our next 170 years.
🔗 www.ymcanorfolk.org/170-years-strong-a-place-to-belong/

16/10/2026

15/10/2026

What an incredible evening at YMCA Norfolk’s Annual Celebration and Pride of YMCA Norfolk Awards! 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at The Space in Norwich to celebrate the achievements, resilience and inspiring stories of the young people, volunteers and staff who make our YMCA community so special.

From personal growth and education to volunteering and independent living, the evening was a powerful reminder of the difference a safe place to belong can make. 🏆 Congratulations to all our award winners, and thank you to everyone who continues to make a positive impact across Norfolk.

The celebration also marked the launch of our 170th anniversary year, alongside our new 170 Years Strong: A Place to Belong appeal, aiming to raise £170,000 to support vulnerable young people across Norfolk. We also launched Belonging Through Time: YMCA at 170, celebrating our heritage and the stories that have shaped us.

As we look ahead to this exciting milestone, we’re so grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey.

Here’s to celebrating our past, strengthening our present and building a brighter future for the next generation.

Thank you for being part of our YMCA family!

15/10/2026

Set up is well under way for YMCA Norfolk Annual Celebration 2026... will we be seeing you tonight?

Join us today for YMCA Norfolk's Annual Celebration 2026 at The Space, Roundtree Way, Norwich, NR7 8SQ from 5:30-7:30pm for an evening of inspiring stories, celebration, and community as we look back on the impact we've made together over the past year.

This free event is an opportunity to hear from the people whose lives have been changed through YMCA Norfolk's work, celebrate achievements across our services, and discover how, together, we're helping people belong, contribute and thrive.

Whether you're a supporter, partner, volunteer, resident, staff member, or simply interested in our work, we'd love to see you there.

🎟️ Attendance is completely free! Let us know if you’ll be joining us by RSVPing through the link in our bio. And if you can’t RSVP, no worries, you’re welcome to join us still on the night.

👉 All are welcome! More details on our link in bio.

15/10/2026

According to my calculations, today is our Annual Celebration and Awards Ceremony 2026!

Join us for YMCA Norfolk's Annual Celebration 2026 at The Space, Roundtree Way, Norwich, NR7 8SQ on Thursday 15th October 5:30-7:30pm for an evening of inspiring stories, celebration, and community as we look back on the impact we've made together over the past year.

This free event is an opportunity to hear from the people whose lives have been changed through YMCA Norfolk's work, celebrate achievements across our services, and discover how, together, we're helping people belong, contribute and thrive.

Whether you're a supporter, partner, volunteer, resident, staff member, or simply interested in our work, we'd love to see you there.

🎟️ Attendance is completely free and no need to book, simply turn up! We cannot wait to see you.

👉 Reserve your spot today: Link in bio!

14/10/2026

YMCA Norfolk is calling for you to join us tomorrow for our Annual Celebration and Awards Ceremony at The Space, Roundtree Way, Norwich, NR7 8SQ.

This Thursday 15th October 5:30-7:30pm will be an evening of inspiring stories, celebration, and community as we look back on the impact we've made together over the past year.

This free event is an opportunity to hear from the people whose lives have been changed through YMCA Norfolk's work, celebrate achievements across our services, and discover how, together, we're helping people belong, contribute and thrive.

Whether you're a supporter, partner, volunteer, resident, staff member, or simply interested in our work, we'd love to see you there.

🎟️ Attendance is completely free and no need to book! Simply turn up on the night. We cannot wait to see you.

👉 Reserve your spot today: Link in bio!

13/10/2026

Rock, Paper, Scissors... looks like we know what the decision is!

Join us for YMCA Norfolk's Annual Celebration 2026 at The Space, Roundtree Way, Norwich, NR7 8SQ on Thursday 15th October 5:30-7:30pm for an evening of inspiring stories, celebration, and community as we look back on the impact we've made together over the past year.

This free event is an opportunity to hear from the people whose lives have been changed through YMCA Norfolk's work, celebrate achievements across our services, and discover how, together, we're helping people belong, contribute and thrive.

Whether you're a supporter, partner, volunteer, resident, staff member, or simply interested in our work, we'd love to see you there.

🎟️ Attendance is completely free! Let us know if you’ll be joining us by RSVPing through the link in our bio. And if you can’t RSVP, no worries, you’re welcome to join us still on the night.

👉 Reserve your spot today: Link in bio!

12/10/2026

We have word for you... Annual Celebration is in 3 days!

Join us for YMCA Norfolk's Annual Celebration 2026 at The Space, Roundtree Way, Norwich, NR7 8SQ on Thursday 15th October 5:30-7:30pm for an evening of inspiring stories, celebration, and community as we look back on the impact we've made together over the past year.

This free event is an opportunity to hear from the people whose lives have been changed through YMCA Norfolk's work, celebrate achievements across our services, and discover how, together, we're helping people belong, contribute and thrive.

Whether you're a supporter, partner, volunteer, resident, staff member, or simply interested in our work, we'd love to see you there.

🎟️ Attendance is completely free! Let us know if you’ll be joining us by RSVPing through the link in our bio. And if you can’t RSVP, no worries, you’re welcome to join us still on the night.

👉 For more details, click the link in bio!