Hello and welcome to the September edition of the YMCA Newcastle newsletter!
In this edition, we will cover the experiences of both a new staff member and a long-time YMCA youth attendee, cover the plans for a new Youth Centre, and wrap up with a final thank you to the Holiday Activities and Food programme for everything that they helped us achieve over the summer!
Staff Spotlight: New Fundraising Officer
This month I spoke with a relatively new staff member, Gabriella Whittaker. Just one month into her role as Fundraising Officer at the YMCA, Gabriella is already making an impact by pursuing new opportunities for the charity and taking great care in ensuring that those opportunities fight the challenges and aid the aspirations of the local youth.
“I came across the role on LinkedIn while looking through different charity jobs,” Gabriella recalls. She has a degree in psychology, which has driven what she looks for in a career – “I’ve always wanted to work in a sector that was helping someone.” Now, she finds herself part of a team dedicated to supporting young people across the community. Her days at work vary, but the common threads are research and collaboration; whether it’s identifying new funding opportunities or writing grant proposals, Gabriella works closely with her colleagues whilst also being trusted to manage her own time. “Every day is different,” she explains. “There’s always a recurring theme of researching new opportunities, and a lot of what I do involves writing bids. It’s a very collaborative role, but also one where I need to manage my own time and come up with new ideas.”
For Gabriella, the most rewarding part of her work is knowing that her efforts have a direct impact on young people. “So far, my favourite part has been knowing that everything I’m doing could make their lives better and give them more opportunities,” she says. One of her proudest moments so far has been stepping outside her comfort zone to attend a fundraising showcase in London. “Travelling isn’t something I’m usually comfortable with,” Gabriella admits, “and pushing myself to go was a big personal accomplishment for me, and a professional accomplishment – I gained so much knowledge from the people and presentations that I can carry into my work in the future.”
Working at the YMCA has already shifted Gabriella’s perspective in meaningful ways. In particular, she has become more aware of the barriers young people face. “I didn’t realise just how many obstacles there are for young people, especially in more deprived areas like Walker,” she reflects. “I didn’t fully realise just how many barriers there are to them leading a successful life.” That awareness has been reinforced through direct interactions with young people themselves. “There’s one girl that I’ve had a couple conversations with who really changed my perspective. Taking those first steps to engage with her helped me put young people more at the forefront of what I do and helped me consider them much more in the things I’m writing and applying for.”
I asked Gabriella what she thought young people need the most today: “I think, honestly, and it’s kind of a very broad thing, but education. With the way the world is right now, it’s definitely most important to educate these young people on opportunities they can find, and make sure they develop a well-rounded view of the world. They need safety and security to want to be educated and feel confident in exploring what they want to do.”
Gabriella is eager to continue building relationships, not only with young people but also with the colleagues who work closely with them. “I think the staff here have really valuable insights.” she notes. “Things young people might not always share directly can still inform how we can best support them moving forward. I’m excited to get to know everyone better.”
Though still early in her journey with the charity, Gabriella is helping us create opportunities, support growth, and break down barriers for young people. We are lucky to have her on board here at YMCA Newcastle.
Youth Spotlight: Kyle
For Kyle, the YMCA has become far more than a place to spend time after school. Over the past three years, it has been a space of laughter, friendship, and the freedom to be himself.
I asked him what his favourite parts of coming to the YMCA are: “The gossip and the trips. Going to the beach, even to litter pick. It’s always fun.” It’s clear that, to Kyle, time with the YMCA isn’t about big events, but rather spending time with people that he likes and who care for him. “I can’t really give you much specific,” Kyle says, “just the laughter.”
Kyle also spoke about why the YMCA is special to him: “I just feel welcome here,” he explains, “because they accept me for who I am.” In a world where many young people feel pressure to fit in or hide parts of themselves, Kyle has found an environment that embraces authenticity. “Coming here has helped me be more open about my sexuality,” he shares. “I never used to talk about it, but the YMCA helped me feel more comfortable. They’ve all helped me with my mental health, too.”
For Kyle, that support has meant a lot. The staff’s encouragement and the friendships he’s built have given him the confidence to express himself, and to feel safe in doing so. That’s why Kyle’s number one piece of advice for encouraging someone new to attend the YMCA is: “It’s good. Everyone’s very welcoming.”
Kyle’s story is just one example of how the YMCA provides more than activities and programmes. It offers a community where young people can find connection, acceptance, and the courage to grow into who they truly are.
Progress on the New Youth Centre!
YMCA Newcastle have been providing support to the Walker Community from its centre on Welbeck Road for 30 years. This year, with funding from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund, we have been extending and refurbishing a new youth centre building!
Located at 633 Welbeck Road, this three-storey facility will provide a safe, inspiring space where young people can connect, learn, and have fun! The centre has been designed with the aim of creating an environment that is welcoming, empowering, and full of opportunities.
What Will Be Inside The Centre?
The facility boasts a wide range of spaces designed to cater to a variety of interests and promote wellbeing, such as:
- A multi-use room ideal for dance sessions and fitness activities, providing an energetic space for young people to stay active.
- A music/E-sports room with multiple gaming consoles providing comfortable indoor entertainment.
- A well-being room
- A space for craft and creative arts activities
- A private space
- A small kitchen that will be able to provide for anyone attending.
Activities for Everyone!
This new social hub will offer a wide array of structured activities to engage youth of all interests. Some of the frequently planned sessions include:
- Gaming & E-Sports
- Arts & Crafts
- Dance Workshops
- Fitness Classes
- Health & Beauty Sessions
- Mental Health & Mindfulness Activities
- Homework Club
- LGBTQ+ and Allies Support Groups
- C-Card & Sexual Health Services
In addition, the charity will continue to run its successful Outreach Project, meaning young people will still have access to exciting trips and opportunities outside of the centre.
Stay tuned with our monthly newsletters for updates on progress!
Summer Activities Conclusion
This month we are sending a final thanks to the Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) for funding an incredibly fun and enriching summer for young people. The fund allowed us to plan 4 weeks of weekday activities – from zorbing and bowling to museum visits and ferry trips – that brought in 25 young people every day for an engaging and educational summer.
All of the activities were planned by and in collaboration with young people here at the YMCA, ensuring that every day was what the young people wanted. Our skilled youth workers were also there to guide the young people both during development and during the activities, ensuring that every young person was both safe and taking part in the decision making process.
None of these fantastic opportunities would have been possible if it wasn’t for the Holiday Activities and Food programme, so on behalf of everyone here at the YMCA, and all of the many young people that have benefited greatly from the activities: thank you!
“The holiday activities and food (HAF) programme provides healthy meals, enriching activities, and free childcare places to children from low-income families, benefiting their health, wellbeing and learning.
Since 2022, the HAF programme has provided 15.6 million HAF days to children and young people in this country. Across the 2023 to 2024 academic year, almost 5 million HAF days were provided during winter, Easter, and summer delivery.”
To learn more about the Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), click here.
To learn more about what activities the YMCA was able to host thanks to our hardworking team and the support of the Holiday Activities and Food programme, read our summer activities article here.
