Big smiles, little waves, and a very special royal visit! 👑
On May 1st, our preschoolers at YMCA Isle of Wight were excited to visit the hospital’s brand-new diagnostics unit, where they had the wonderful opportunity to meet Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester.
The children were beautifully behaved, full of smiles, and made us incredibly proud - they absolutely loved every moment of the experience!
#RoyalVisit #PreschoolLife #CommunitySpirit #SpecialMemories #LittleMomentsBigMemories #YMCANewport
It’s never easy to talk to others about mental health. That’s why, this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, it’s time for action.
TALK:
🔹Take the time
🔹Ask twice
🔹Learn to listen
🔹Keep it up
#MHAW #SmallTalks #YMCA
We’d like to say a huge thank you to @tesco Stronger Starts scheme and everyone who voted with their blue tokens 💙
Thanks to your support, we were able to fund a special trip for Ukrainian refugee families to spend a day at @ymcafairthorne , where they enjoyed a range of outdoor activities, fresh air, and time to relax and connect with others.
The day provided a much-needed chance to laugh, play, and simply enjoy being outdoors in a safe and welcoming environment. From team challenges to exploring nature, it was a day full of smiles and new memories.
As the organiser shared: "We are all so thrilled that the children had such an amazing time at Fairthorne Manor, it truly was a wonderful experience for everyone."
Your blue tokens truly made a difference in helping create a positive and uplifting experience for families rebuilding their lives here in the UK.
#YMCA #FundedTrip #YouthMatters #TescoBlueTokens #CharitySupport #OutdoorAdventure #TescoStrongerStarts #StrongerStartsScheme
Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mums and mother figures!
Today, we celebrate the incredible love and sacrifices you make every day.
Thank you for all that you do. 💜
#YMCA #MothersDay #MotheringSunday
What is the biggest barrier for young people in supported housing?
Across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, the biggest challenge is the lack of suitable move-on accommodation. There isn’t enough affordable, appropriate housing for young people who are ready to take the next step towards independent living.
As a result, many remain in supported housing longer than necessary - limiting spaces for others who need support, and holding back the futures of those who are ready to move forward.
Last month, Josh Towers, our Director of Youth Services spoke about the necessity of @ymcaenglandandwales #buildingfutures initiative, which aims to build 10,000 new homes across the UK - creating that vital move-on opportunity for young people.
#YMCA #SupportedHousing #YoungPeople #YouthSupport #YouthHomelessness #Hampshire #IsleofWight
Some of our favourites from #WorldBookDay 📚
Storytelling is a huge part of early years education, and it plays an important role in building language, confidence, and imagination. Sharing stories helps children develop key skills that support school readiness, from listening and understanding to expressing their own ideas!
Our children loved dressing up as their favourite characters and exploring different stories Thank you to all our families for helping make the day so special - we loved seeing everyone’s creativity! 💜
Which costume is your favourite?
#WorldBookDay2026 #SchoolReadiness #LoveOfReading #EarlyYears
🏠 Why is building new homes for young people so important?
Because it creates 10,000 new pathways to a better life. Recently, Joshua Towers, our Director of Youth Services, sat down with Solent TV following on from our CEO, Phillipa Spicer's, visit to Parliament for the launch of #BuildingFutures.
Click the link in our bio here to hear from Josh in his own words - why is it so important we provide housing for young people?🩵
#YMCA #FairthorneGroup #SupportedHousing #YouthSupport #HousingSupport
A weekend that gives young carers their childhood back 🎉
Our Young Carers Festival is back on June 26th-28th, for a weekend of fun, respite, and adventure for young carers across the country.
Get your group's tickets in our early bird sale - ending 31st April.
Find out more, and book your tickets here - link in bio.
▶️Booking is designed for young carers groups or young carer groups, within schools so young people can attend with the support of their service or organisation.
#YMCA #YoungCarersFestival #YCF #YoungCarers
It’s hard to become someone, when you don’t have somewhere.
Housing is the foundation for education, employment, wellbeing and independence. That is why YMCA is launching #BuildingFutures - our mission to create 10,000 homes for young people.
At a parliamentary reception our CEO Phillipa Spicer joined MP's, partners and young people to launch YMCA's newest initiative.
YMCA already delivers at scale. With the right partnerships to unlock land, funding and reform, we can do more - and do it faster.
Find out more - link in bio
#YMCA #FairthorneGroup #Housing #YouthMatters
Here in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the housing crisis for young people is very real.
At the end of January, our CEO Phillipa Spicer attended the launch of @ymcaenglandandwales #BuildingFutures initiative at the House of Commons.
#BuildingFutures is a movement to help end the youth housing crisis by creating 10,000 new homes for young people. At YMCA Fairthorne Group, we will continue to champion young people, to play our part in tackling housing challenges locally, and to ensure our services continue to deliver meaningful, positive impact across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Read more about the initiative, and Phillipa's time at the House of Commons - link in bio and head to news.
#YMCA #YouthHousing #Hampshire #IsleofWight #FairthorneGroup #YouthMatters
During #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, we’re celebrating the power of alternative pathways into employment and the lifelong skills developed through hands-on training and education 👏
Apprentices make a meaningful impact across our charity, creating real value while gaining invaluable experience themselves. It’s a partnership that benefits everyone.
This week, let’s recognise the importance of creating empowering opportunities for young people to grow, thrive, and build #SkillsForLife.
See a snapshot of apprenticeships at #YMCAFairthorneGroup above.
#NAW #Apprenticeships #YMCA
This #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek, YMCA Fairthorne Group supports the theme ‘This is My Place’ launched by @_place2be 🧡
Our holiday clubs, youth clubs, and school trips help fight loneliness and create fun spaces for children and young people to belong.
Together, we can ensure no young person has to face mental health challenges alone through access to youth services.
Find out all we can offer - link in bio
#YMCA #FairthorneGroup #MentalHealthSupport #YouthMatters #CMHW2026
