YMCA’s support success

Bondholder YMCA Derbyshire has revealed it has so far helped more than 1,000 members across the county since the start of the coronavirus crisis.

The charity said that since the emergency lockdown in March, it has supported YMCA residents, families and the elderly, through donations of food parcels, home-cooked dinners, crisis bags and general items, such as toiletries and virtual community meals.

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The charity, which is headquartered in London Road, Wilmorton, said it had seen a huge increase in support due to grants from funders, as well as businesses, supermarkets and individuals wanting to help keep those who are struggling fed.

Due to this generosity, YMCA Derbyshire has been able to support Covid hubs across the city to distribute nearly 200 food parcels weekly.

Around 88 food packs were distributed to residents of the YMCA, many of whom have found it difficult to leave their rooms or have lost their part-time work.

According to the charity, the support from the community and YMCA staff is helping these young people to regain their confidence.

Meanwhile, the organisation’s training and education arm, YMCA Key College, also received more than 20 large family parcel bags to help students and their families. And YMCA Derbyshire’s community connector, Matt Taylor, has worked closely with Age UK to deliver 300 dinners and nearly 200 crisis bags to elderly people in need.

Matt said: “It’s been a challenging year for all but the support in the community continues to be incredibly important. We want to ensure no-one feels isolated or alone.

“Council hubs in Derby are braced for at least a year of future support in their wards and communities and, with Christmas approaching, it is so important to continue helping.

“We hope to use a variety of venues to cook hot meals in the future but, of course, this is dependent on government guidance.”

If you would like to help YMCA Derbyshire support young people and the community, e-mail catherine.white@ymcaderbyshire.org.uk.