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Update the main picture display with a larger version of George Williams who founded the YMCA in 1844. Today it has grown into one of the worlds largest charities with 30 million members and volunteers working in more than 100 countries. The YMCA provides over 7,000 beds every night for young people in need of supported accommodation. We help young people make the transition from dependence to independence
The Bath YMCAs facilities have been continually updated and developed to meet the changing needs of our programmes and local community in Bath.In 1959 the government published the Albermarle Report, on the need for better leisure facilities for teenagers. Many YMCAs started youth clubs offering recreation, leisure and informal education.
Update the main picture display with a plaque which commemorates the opening of the Bath YMCA in 1888 by George WilliamsThere has been a YMCA in Bath since 1859. Part of our present premises in Broad Street were opened in 1888 by George Williams.

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Display for various pictures of History of the Bath YMCA and what has made it what it is today

The History of The City of Bath YMCA

There has been a YMCA in Bath since 1859. Part of our present premises in Broad Street were opened in 1888 by George Williams. Our facilities have been continually updated and developed to meet the changing needs of our programmes and local community in Bath.

The YMCA Movement

The YMCA was founded by George Williams in 1844.

Today it has grown into one of the worlds largest charities with 30 million members and volunteers working in more than 100 countries. Each local association is independent, autonomous and self-financing. In this way the YMCA can provide relevant local activities and services.

George Williams – The Beginning

1841 George Williams working for a drapery wholesaler in London became increasingly concerned about the welfare and spiritual wellbeing of those around him. Along with 11 others he started a bible study group which formally became a new society on 6 June 1844.

Growth to a Worldwide Movement

In 1851 Great Exhibition was used as an opportunity to share the concept of YMCA from those coming from across the world. By 1855 the YMCA staged its first International Conference in Paris. The aims of the YMCA was agreed in the Paris Basis which remains as the fundamental basis of our values wordwide.

The First World War

The war saw the YMCA at its strongest. Setting out to raise £25,000 to fund emergency work - £2.5 M was raised. The YMCA purchased 600 large huts to put where the troops were, offering food, drink, free writing paper and pastoral support. After the war the huts came home to establish ‘Red Triangle Clubs’

1918 - 1945

During the 1930s the YMCA focused on the unemployed – training 25,000 young people. Employment was found for 38,000 ex-servicemen by the YMCA Employment Department. During the Second World War a fleet of 500 vans brought refreshment and support.

Starting a Second Century

Over the years, the YMCA continued to adapt its work to meet changing needs. In 1959 the government published the Albermarle Report, on the need for better leisure facilities for teenagers. Many YMCAs started youth clubs offering recreation, leisure and informal education.

The YMCA Today

Housing - We provide over 7,000 beds every night for young people in need of supported accommodation. We help young people make the transition from dependence to independence.

International - The YMCA is a international movement with over 30 million members and volunteers working in over 120 countries throughout the world. This international network enables the YMCA in England to take part in the sharing of global ideas and resources.

Personal & Social Development - Personal & social development is at the heart of everything we stand for. Our aim is to give young people the chance to develop a healthy mind, body and spirit. Through informal education opportunities we help people develop new skills and offer them new experiences.

Sport, Exercise & Fitness - The YMCA offers sport and fitness facilities in over 120 locations in England and is the largest non-statutory provider of public recreational facilities in the country. We are committed to making sport and exercise accessible to all. We introduced both basketball and volleyball to the world!!

Training - YMCA Training helps to train more than 25,000 people every year. We provide specialist support for those who have physical disabilities, are homeless, are pregnant or have learning difficulties. Over 50% of our trainees have some kind of special need.