In a world that often feels fragmented, YMCA Bournemouth stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and transformation. From April 2024 to March 2025, this local charity has impacted thousands across Dorset—bringing stability to families, confidence to children, strength to communities, and shelter to those who need it most. Every programme, every session, and every hour spent in service, is a testament to their mission: to empower people in body, mind and spirit.
Stronger Families, Brighter Futures
Behind every statistic is a story of hope. YMCA Bournemouth supported 101 families and 265 children with targeted interventions, while its contact centres delivered over 1,600 hours of safe, meaningful family time. In all, 873 individuals received tailored support that parents described as “life-enhancing” and “essential.” In homes once filled with tension, relationships are being rebuilt—and futures reimagined.
Inspiring Young Lives
Children are not just cared for at YMCA Bournemouth—they are championed. With over 29,000 hours of early years education delivered to 83 children, parents reported remarkable progress in learning, behaviour, and wellbeing. Through the Chatterboxes and other youth programmes, young people with disabilities found belonging, joy and purpose—logging over 513 hours of meaningful support. Activities for ages 5–15 nurtured friendships, resilience, and self-belief.
Health and Happiness in Motion
Fitness isn’t just about muscles—it’s about mental health, connection and confidence. At The Junction Leisure Centre in Broadstone and Bayside Fitness Club in Poole, YMCA Bournemouth promotes health for all ages. Over 1,250 children learned to swim. More than 12,000 young fitness and 62,000 adult fitness sessions were attended. From a wide range of sports and physical activities to over 800 children’s birthday parties, the message was clear: healthy living should be fun, affordable, inclusive, and accessible.
People at the Heart of Everything
YMCA Bournemouth is powered by local people. With more than 4,000-man hours delivering impact weekly, this is a movement built on compassion and community. Every smile, every session, every act of kindness makes a difference—and it is all due to its amazing staff, people who care.
Mental Health That Transforms
A total of 2,216 counselling sessions gave individuals the tools to heal, cope and grow. Clients reported improved emotional resilience, mental health and a renewed sense of self. The Chaplaincy team complemented this with over 500 reflective sessions and 120 community events—offering spiritual care and a quiet place to rest, reflect and reconnect.
A Roof, A Lifeline, A Fresh Start
Across its residential locations, YMCA Bournemouth offered safe housing and personal support to 114 individuals at any one time—proving that people who need support can have a home and more importantly find hope. YMCA Bournemouth serves through keywork sessions, life-skills, workshops, support and advice, and community; helping residents feel safe, supported and ready for the next chapter.
Retreat, Reflect, Renew
At Sandyholme, over 1,000 individuals from 30+ groups and charities found a sanctuary for rest and renewal. For many, it was more than just a break—it was a turning point.
Training Today, Transforming Tomorrow
Empowerment takes many forms. From first aid to lifeguard certification, over 440 individuals gained life-saving skills and confidence through YMCA Bournemouth’s training programmes. Every qualification earned strengthens the safety and resilience of the wider community.
From the CEO: A Community That Cares
Dr Gareth Sherwood, CEO of YMCA Bournemouth, shares:
“We don’t shout about what we do—we get on with it. But sometimes, it’s important to tell the story of what happens when local people serve one another with passion and purpose.
YMCA Bournemouth may just be the best-kept secret in town. We quietly impact over 5% of the local population every year. Lives are being saved, strengthened and transformed—often in ways the public never sees. This is the power of community. This is the power of love in action.”
For over 150 years, YMCA Bournemouth (Charity No. 1078728) has stood alongside the people of Dorset—providing support, sanctuary and opportunity for those who need it most. Rooted in Christian values, the organisation continues to empower individuals in mind, body and spirit through housing, health, youth work, and family services.
Every hour, every programme, every person YMCA Bournemouth is making it count—this is the YMCA, where people find new life.
www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk