About the 'C' in YMCA...

At the YMCA, everything we do - whether with individuals or with groups - is influenced by the YMCA's values, which are as important to us today as they were when the organisation was founded in 1844.

Many of our values are rooted in the Christian faith. Indeed, YMCA is an abbreviation of Young Men's Christian Association. The following looks at what the 'C' in the YMCA - the 'Christian' - means to us and how we think it helps to make our work unique.

The YMCA ethos

At the heart of YMCAs across the world is a storng Christian ethos which is reflected in a genuine motivation to serve others and to share the love and care shown by Jesus in His life on earth.

This ethos is enshrined in the work of the YMCA through the universal symbol of the red triangle which commits us to work with young people in mind, body and spirit.

And whilst many people who work or volunteer for the YMCA share a strong Christian faith, our ethos also warmly welcomes people of other faiths - or no faith at all - to participate in YMCA activities, to volunteer for the YMCA or to seek employment within the YMCA. 

The YMCA is not a church, nor is it affiliated to any particular denominational expression of Christianity. However, along with many other YMCAs across the country, we have close working relationships with local church groups and other voluntary organisations that share our ethos and aims.