YMCA

Appeal for Kitchen Items and Food

Posted on 25 March 2020 by Carly Baraclough

*** Help Needed ***

In the current climate, as a charity responsible for the welfare of 102 vulnerable young people in Leicester City, we need to support our young people in following the social distancing guidelines. We are in desperate need of the following kitchen items to help us provide hot meals for our residents. Who can help us by donating any of the items below in new or nearly new condition?

If you can help, please send a direct message to us through social media to arrange a drop off or collection. Alternatively, you can also contact our Reception who can also help safely co-ordinate this on 0116 255 6507.

Chest freezers x 2 (good working condition)
Large baking trays
Kitchen knives
Cheese graters
Cooking utensils (not wooden)
Chopping boards (not wooden)
Tea towels
Plastics tubs suitable for storing food
Dried/canned foods
Squash/Cordial

You may know that we also support rough sleepers through our Y Support Project. Unfortunately, we are having to limit the numbers who access the service at any one time and are providing take away food pack ups where possible. With numbers lower than average, we are still expecting at least 20 – 30 individual visits per day. We are therefore also in urgent need of the below:

Bottled water
Pot noodles
Cereal bars
Apples
Multi pack crisps
Multipack chocolate or biscuit bars
Milk
Tea
Sugar
Coffee
Hot chocolate

A message from The Y Theatre

Posted on 17 March 202018 May 2023 by Carly Baraclough

The Y Theatre has taken the decision to postpone all performances, events and classes until further notice as a result of circumstances surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus).

We have taken the decision to close until further as we have a duty of care to our young residents, our staff, our community groups and our audiences, and want to encourage and support everyone to remain safe during this time – the wellbeing of everyone who engages with us is our priority.

We are continually assessing which events to cancel and will be in touch with all affected ticket-holders. We are rescheduling events wherever possible, not only for your entertainment, but to continue to support the artists and freelancers we work with. We urge customers not come to the box office in person, we will contact you via telephone or email.

You may not be aware that we are part of The Y, a local homeless charity housing 102 young people across the city. Therefore our buildings are not able to close but from today we will not be accepting any public on site. The charity has been preparing an operating strategy in the face of the outbreak, including providing support should they need to self-isolate, as they do not have their families around them.

As an independent organisation these will be challenging times that we share with venues and creatives across the whole arts sector, and with other independent and small businesses. Wherever possible, if you are able to support us and others, whether that be by donating ticket monies, or by choosing to spend locally when buying over the next few months, you will be helping your community.

Thank you!

The Y Theatre team

Carl in Nepal: A March Update!

Posted on 5 March 2020 by Carly Baraclough

At the start of the year, resident, Carl was raising funds for his place on the ICS (International Citizen Service) programme where he would be volunteering overseas for 3 months. With many thanks to all of his supporters, Carl managed to raise just over £800 to fund his place, even if it did mean losing his hair along the way! You can find out more about this here: https://www.leicesterymca.co.uk/carl-to-volunteer-in-nepal/

Carl has now been living in Nepal for 3 weeks and is having an amazing time. He has been leading a group of volunteers whilst working 6 days a week in a school which he has found to be an exhausting but rewarding experience. He has also is living with a local family who have been teaching him Nepalese and helping him learn more about life in Nepal.

Through navigating the new culture, food and lifestyle, Carl is has been busy settling in and getting to grips with life in Nepal. This experience has been providing Carl with life long skills and unforgettable experiences.

We are grateful to everyone who supported Carl on this venture, and we would like to thank everyone again for the donating. We are excited for any future updates and wish Carl the best of luck for the rest of the programme!