Exeter YMCA receives £30,000 from Leeds Building Society

Exeter YMCA has received £30,000 in unrestricted funding from Leeds Building Society to create supportive, inclusive and energising communities in which young people can truly belong.

Exeter YMCA is one of the oldest YMCA’s in the world. It believes everyone can experience fullness of life in body, mind, and spirit. The charity’s support is orientated around meeting young people’s needs, including helping them to find and maintain accommodation, as well as addressing their mental health needs and sense of identity.

Figures from the ONS reveal the southwest of England has more than 183,000 unoccupied dwellings, with another 200,000 in use as second homes in the region.[1] As homelessness increases in the region and rents continue to rise, Exeter YMCA continues to work with vulnerable young people in the region to convert unused buildings into affordable and supportive housing.

The positive and welcoming environment that the charity creates for residents through its activity programme allows residents to connect with the wider community and the YMCA team, who will support them through any specific challenges they may be facing.

Exeter YMCA received the unrestricted grant after applying for Leeds Building Society’s Fund150 programme, offering a share of £150,000 as part of the Society’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Organisations could apply for an unrestricted grant of up to £30,000, provided that their organisation aligned with the programme’s aim of supporting vulnerable people to find a place to belong through housing and their community.

Five organisations across the UK have been awarded funding, including Exeter YMCA, following selection through a panel of building society colleagues who are passionate about supporting their community. The Society was particularly impressed by the holistic support on offer and the opportunity that residents have to learn new skills and grow in confidence.

Providing Exeter YMCA with unrestricted funding will mean they are able to support people in Devon to live independently and nurture their creativity and connections within the community.

John Brenan, Corporate Affairs Lead at Leeds Building Society, said:

“We’re pleased to be able to offer this funding and celebrate our mutual roots by giving back to communities and empowering people across the UK into safe and secure housing.

“This is the first time we’ve funded a charity in the southwest. We were impressed by Exeter YMCA’s commitment to the young people that they help, empowering them to learn new skills and form a sense of community.”

Gareth Sorsby, Co-Chief Executive Officer at YMCA Exeter, said:

“Leeds Building Society’s immensely generous grant of £30,000 through its Fund 150 grant programme will help us provide accommodation for young people in Devon who were previously homeless or in insecure housing to an exceptionally high standard, demonstrating that each young person is valued, possibly for the first time in their life.”