Young people’s charity appoints Lord Lieutenant as new president

The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, has been announced as the new president of YMCA Derbyshire.

Staff and volunteers at the non-profit organisation, which is one of the county’s oldest charities, have welcomed her appointment after she agreed to take up the role.

She has many years of personal association with the charity.

Mrs Fothergill, who is also a patron of several other organisations, has not only served on the charity’s board of directors, but during her year as High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 2016 chose the YMCA as her charity of choice, raising thousands of pounds to positively impact many individuals’ lives.

YMCA Derbyshire has been supporting young people and communities across Derbyshire since 1847, providing supported and move on accommodation, lifelong learning opportunities, training and education, as well as early years education within pre-school and school settings.

Mrs Fothergill said: “After a long association with YMCA Derbyshire and witnessing first hand their life changing impact on the lives of young people, I am humbled and delighted to accept the position of president.

“Its work in supporting young people, offering safe accommodation and providing essential life skills is innovative and inspiring.

“I look forward to working closely with the team to showcase and celebrate the positive effect they make across our county.”

Her appointment comes at a significant time for YMCA Derbyshire, which has just completed the refurbishment of its accommodation for those at risk of homelessness, at its main campus in London Road.

The renovation project has included significant upgrades to the flats, designed to improve comfort, functionality and sustainability, which will offer a better quality of life for current and future residents, helping them to move to independence.

It has also recently opened the doors to its new Padley@YMCA Community Hub, in Parcel Terrace, which is designed to be a vibrant centre offering opportunities to boost physical and mental wellbeing, build resilience and develop essential skills.

This year, YMCA Derbyshire will complete on its aspirational housing project Foundry Point, in Cotton Lane.

The development will provide 60 affordable self-contained flats and house young people in apprenticeships and employment.

Foundry Point will promote independent living, while fostering a sense of community.

Lifelong learning continues to be a key area of development for YMCA, supporting many children, young people and adults to access informal and formal learning opportunities to support the development of individuals health, well-being and social mobility.

Through YMCA Key College, YMCA Y-Kidz, and YMCA Stepping Stones nurseries the YMCA is ensuring that children and young people are supported to belong, contribute and thrive.

Mrs Fothergill said: “It is an exciting time for the charity as it expands its housing and community offer to support even more young people and families in our city.

“Together, we will continue to foster a caring environment where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.”

Julian Smith, chair of YMCA Derbyshire, said: “We are honoured to welcome Liz as our new president.

“She has been a friend and ambassador for our charity for many years, raising funds and awareness of our work.

“Her contribution as president will be invaluable as we enter a new phase of growth, and the achievement of our business goals to 2030.”