14 April 2026
What is Thrive 16+? In Somerset, there are many young people who are faced with housing-related obstacles. Our Thrive 16+ programme, funded by Somerset Council, supports young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or threatened by homelessness. This can happen... Read more
4 February 2026
Do you ever feel like the world around you is moving too fast?
With the constant access to media, pressures from school, social and home life, young people face overwhelming expectations every day.>Young carers face the same pressures as any other young person, but with the added responsibility of caring for a family... Read more
2 December 2025
Linda is a 72-year-old woman who faced many personal challenges before arriving at Spencer House.
After a period of hospitalisation overseas, she returned to the UK in February 2023 and, with nowhere else to go, found herself living in her son’s garden shed. The space offered only the most basic amenities – little more than... Read more
10 November 2025
Thanks to Somerset Community Foundation and Friends of Somerset Young Carers, we were able to bring 26 young carers on a two-night residential trip to Magdalen Farm last month.
These young people, ranging from 11 to 18 years old, are the primary carer of a close family member. Due to their caring responsibilities, they often miss out on key childhood experiences and opportunities. The aim of the trip was... Read more
4 November 2025
“It’s like a feeling that you get the second you walk in. It just feels like a second home.” — Young person at Street Youth Club
At YMCA Brunel Group, our youth clubs are more than just after-school hangouts. They are places of possibility: A welcoming space for young people to explore their interests A chance to socialise, make friends, and just be a kid A... Read more
21 October 2025
Recently, our CEO, Mike Fairbeard, paid a visit to our youth club in Frome.
He was instantly greeted with warmth, energy, and joyfulness. Staff and young people alike were eager to show off their newly renovated space, although they made sure not to let Mike win at pool! The atmosphere in the centre was... Read more
27 August 2025
With the help of students in UWE’s New Wave Agency, Willow and Ethan were able to share their stories about their experience with our YMCA.
New Wave Agency is a student creative agency which helps to drive equity in professional practice. The students involved often face barriers (such as race, gender, disability, or socioeconomic status) which would otherwise prevent them from accessing these opportunities. In... Read more
14 July 2025
At the end of June, 25 young carers from South Somerset and Mendip took part in a memorable weekend at the 25th annual Young Carers Festival, held at YMCA Fairthorne Manor in Hampshire.
They joined more than 1,500 young carers from across the UK for three days of fun, relaxation, and celebration. Supported by a team of 6 dedicated staff, the group set off on a coach from Street Youth Club, making a... Read more
16 June 2025
YMCA Little Ducklings is officially five years old!
To celebrate, the entire nursery recently came together for a Glow Party filled with fun, laughter, and glowing memories to mark their incredible journey. Five years ago, Little Ducklings came to be when we converted two residential houses into fully... Read more
7 May 2025
By David Bowler, General Manager of The Bristol Wing
Last month, Maggie King and I had the pleasure of visiting Oxwash’s impressive facility — fondly known as “Big Blue” — to see first-hand what makes this innovative linen supplier stand out from the crowd. It was an eye-opener in... Read more
