YMCA East Surrey – 18,000 people Benefitted over the Past Year.

Suzanne and I, and my cadet, Imogen, had a wonderful afternoon at the Horley Youth Club run by YMCA East Surrey. Situated in the Old Fire Station, CEO – Ian Burks, and his team walked us through the various activities the YMCA East Surrey undertake. In the past financial year their services have benefitted over 18,000 people covering key areas of support from providing accommodation (over 25,000 nights), professional support in family centres and health and well-being services.

We were able to see their wonderful bus which enables them to undertake outreach initiatives in areas where anti-social behaviour issues have developed, and also the incredible music studio where young people can come and play instruments or create music direct from computer programmes. There were many young people enjoying the facilities and helping to cook (and eat) some food.

I was also joined by Pat Cannon, who carried out an assessment on the centre on behalf of the High Sheriff Youth Awards earlier this year which led to a grant being given to help them with their work.