History

YMCA was founded by Sir George Williams – a worker in the drapery trade in London. Concerned about the welfare of his fellow workers, he started a prayer and bible study group. This soon grew and attracted men from across London.

YMCA begins to address other concerns of young men working in the cities. Public lectures and education classes are developed. Reading rooms and refreshment areas help young men to adjust to urban life.

YMCA spreads outside London and YMCA Newcastle is established on Grainger Street.

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.

The idea of creating a global organisation is pioneered by Henry Dunant, who would later go on to found the International Committee of the Red Cross. He convinced YMCA Paris to organise the first YMCA ‘World Conference’.

The conference produces the ‘Paris Basis’ – an agreement about the aims of YMCA. It also sees the launch of an international committee and headquarters, which would become the World Alliance of YMCAs.

The first YMCA holiday centre is established on the Isle of Wight. Their huge popularity led to another 25 centres being opened. Billy Butlin later adapted the idea by creating purpose-built holiday camps.

The American YMCA opens its first gym.

The British YMCA incorporates personal fitness into its programmes and opens its first gym.

YMCA Newcastle purchases property on Blackett Street.

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

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

Duke of Connaught opens purpose built YMCA on Blackett Street.

The World Alliance of YMCAs celebrates its 50th anniversary. There are now YMCAs in 45 countries with a global membership of over 707,000.

George Williams dies at the age of 83 and is laid to rest in the crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral.

YMCA was an early influence on Scouting and the first Scout troops meet in the Birkenhead and Nottingham YMCA buildings.

The first purpose built hostels are opened in Cardiff and London.

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.

A YMCA employment department is set up in England to deal with unemployment. It finds jobs for 38,000 ex-servicemen.

YMCA sets up the ‘British Boys for British Farms’ initiative which benefits 25,000 young people.

During the Second World War, YMCA introduces mobile canteens, bringing refreshments to the troops. It also supports displaced people, refugees and prisoners of war.

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.

YMCA Newcastle opens a Youth Work Projects in Byker.

YMCA Newcastle opens a Youth Work Project in Cowgate.

YMCA Newcastle opens an Alternative Education Project.

YMCA Newcastle opens a Youth Work Project in the City Centre

YMCA has over 58 million members in 119 countries worldwide. Since it was established, YMCA has adapted to the changing needs of young people globally.

Today it works with young men and women regardless of race, religion or culture. In every corner of the world, YMCA is helping young people to build a brighter future.

YMCA Newcastle celebrates it’s 170th anniversary. The occasion is marked with a celebratory event at The Assembly Rooms in Newcastle, the same place that YMCA Newcastle’s founding members held their first meetings.