YMCA Robin Hood is proud to host the UK Secretary of State and co-chair of the Child Poverty Taskforce, Liz Kendall and Mayor of East Midlands, Claire ward alongside community leaders for a round table discussion focused on providing opportunities for children and young people so they have the best possible start in life. This discussion took place at the YMCA Community & Activity Village in Newark.
The Work and Pensions Secretary also toured the YMCA Village with Steffen Benbow, YMCA Newark and Sherwood Executive Director and Craig Berens, YMCA Robin Hood Chief Executive Officer, a first of its kind pilot for YMCA in the UK. A place-based approach for sport, wellbeing and education that supports an entire community of children, young people and their families. Liz Kendall saw how the centre serves as a vital hub for the community and took time to speak with local parents about opportunities for their children.
Speaking about the visit, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:
“It’s a travesty that over four million children are growing up in poverty, including 300,000 children in the East Midlands. This is blighting their lives now and damaging their future prospects.
“The YMCA Newark and Sherwood is an incredible support to struggling families in the local area – including childcare which we know is a huge barrier to work – but, from speaking to parents using this brilliant service, it’s clear more is needed.
“That’s why this government is more determined than ever to deliver this change, as our Taskforce looks at all available levers to drive down poverty, drive-up opportunity and give children in every corner of the UK the best start in life.”
East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward, also commented:
“It’s been wonderful to see the work being done by the YMCA in Newark to support young people and families in the area. The impact they have is truly incredible and I look forward to continuing our work together to decrease child poverty in the region.
“I launched the Inclusive Growth Commission in November, that aims to reduce inequalities, create better paid job opportunities and build the new homes our residents need. Working to these objectives with organisations such as the YMCA and others, will all help towards the goal of driving down child poverty and unlock the potential of our young people.”
Commenting on the opportunity to host Secretary of State Liz Kendall and Mayor Claire Ward, Steffen Benbow, Executive Director, YMCA Newark & Sherwood said:
“The YMCA Village is a space for the Newark and Sherwood Community that creates opportunities that empower children, young people, and families to thrive. This visit shows the significance of our facilities, and the Newark community. It’s inspiring to see how the YMCA Village is helping to shape brighter futures, and we look forward to continuing our work alongside partners to support the community here in Newark and Sherwood.”
Jo Bradley-Fortune, Executive Director of YMCA Robin Hood along with Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England and Wales were invited by Secretary of State Liz Kendall to offer local and national perspectives on the challenges facing children and young people.
As part of the round table discussions, Jo Bradley-Fortune highlighted how the YMCA Robin Hood prevent strategy aligns with the objectives of the Child Poverty Taskforce, which Liz Kendall co-chairs, by fostering opportunities that help level the playing field for families in Newark to belong, contribute and thrive.
Jo Bradley-Fortune emphasised the YMCA’s role in shaping brighter futures, commenting:
“The YMCA has been supporting children and young people for over 150 years. We are thankful to the Secretary of State for inviting us to participate in these important roundtable discussions, ensuring our voice and that of our community is heard on the critical issue of reducing child poverty. This progress is only possible through collaboration with our communities. Today’s dialogue marked an important step, and we look forward to continuing the discussions on the topics raised.”
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA England and Wales, added:
“YMCA is proud to play a pivotal role in these important discussions with government, highlighting the practical steps we can take together to ensure every child has the best possible start in life. The work being done at the YMCA Village in Newark is a shining example of the positive change that is possible when we work collaboratively.”
Since its opening in 2022, the YMCA Village has been a significant hub of community activity for youth development, social responsibility, health and wellbeing programmes from both YMCA and community partners. These diverse programmes, ranging from early years care to youth development initiatives, aim to empower individuals regardless of their financial circumstances.
In 2024, YMCA welcomed over 158,300 visitors from local communities, providing adult and youth programmes and scholarships, for low-income families to access youth services.
The Village was designed to be a space where everybody feels valued, welcomed and at home. Promoting youth development, social responsibility, health and wellbeing. Facilities include a climbing centre, all-weather pitches, athletics and sports facilities, education and community spaces, dance studios in addition to a strength and conditioning gym.
Childcare and youth programmes are at the heart of the YMCA’s mission. The YMCA Nursery provided 7,616 days of care in 2023/24, supporting working families and contributing to early childhood development. Initiatives such as Camp Williams and after-school activities ensure children have access to enriching programmes that foster growth and resilience.
The YMCA Village also serves as a hub for community connection. In addition to being home to Newark Town FC, and Newark Athletics Club. The YMCA Café at the Village has become a gathering place for local residents to connect, serving 76,600 hot drinks in 2023/24. Flexible workspaces and event facilities support local businesses and community gatherings, further strengthening Newark’s social fabric.
Secretary Kendall’s visit provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative impact of these initiatives and hear testimonies from families, staff, and community members that align to key Child Poverty Taskforce goals.
In early 2025, the YMCA is supporting the launch of an exciting new initiative within Newark, the ChangeMakers Programme. Designed for young people aged 12-16, this programme aims to empower the next generation in Newark, by giving them a platform to create the changes they want to see in their communities.
Working alongside their peers, and local organisations, ChangeMakers will design and implement community action projects that address crucial issues. These projects span a wide range of impactful areas, including mental wellbeing and support, local safety, equality, social justice, and much more. Upon completing the programme, ChangeMakers will be able to choose to stay involved by becoming part of the Youth Advisory Board, which will serve as a representative voice for young people across Newark, ensuring their perspectives are heard on a community level.
As YMCA Robin Hood continues in its relentless dedication to ensure all children and young people have the developmental relationships that support them to connect with one another and their communities, the visit highlights the importance of collaboration between policymakers, organisations, and communities to tackle the root causes of poverty and create meaningful, lasting change.