Branch in with a shot of YMCA of the year title
STAFF, volunteers and trustees from YMCA Burton are celebrating after being shortlisted for the prestigious title of YMCA of the Year.
The YMCA of the Year Award recognises a YMCA which has delivered an innovative and inspiring project or service that has created a positive impact on young people and the wider community.
YMCA Burton overcame strong competition from others across England and Wales to make it to the final stages, and was praised by judges for outstanding service to clients and people accessing their support during 2020 and the challenges of Covid.
This covered support through their foodbank, furniture services and innovative delivery of a virtual sleepout which inspired other YMCAS across the federation.
YMCA Burton will join two other finalists on the night to find out if they have won the coveted title, which will be presented at an exclusive awards ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in London’s Park Lane, hosted by acclaimed comedian and expert quizzer of ITV’S The Chase, Paul Sinha.
In addition to being a finalist for
YMCA of the Year, YMCA Burton are also finalists in the Family work project of the year for their Mediation & Counselling work to support young people & their families. This year also sees the addition of a new award, The Covid Community Hero award. Long serving YMCA Burton staff member Tom Foster is a finalist in this award for his tireless commitment to the charity and his community.
Paul Laffey, chief executive of YMCA Burton said: “We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have made it to the final stages for this amazing title of YMCA of the Year, plus Family work project of the year. All of our staff and volunteers work incredibly hard to support our young people, residents and wider community. Over the last 18 months the Charity like many others working through a global pandemic has faced many challenges.
“Regardless of the outcome at the Awards Ceremony on the November 5, I am immensely proud of everything the staff and volunteers have delivered and achieved. Thank you so much to everyone in the community who voted for our YMCA in the semi-finals and to everyone who continues to support YMCA Burton.”
Locally, the charity also provides supported housing, outreach services, a community food bank, mediation and counselling services and operates four furniture shops.