North Down YMCA

Public benefits

The YMCA is a Christian organisation and - although the advancement of religion is not an expressed purpose - all purposes are an expression of Christian principles through ‘social action’. The YMCA offers a comprehensive range of opportunities to its beneficiaries and meets the ‘Public Benefit’ requirement as follows: Purpose 1 The direct

benefits which flow from this purpose include improved educational attainment and social inclusion through ‘non-formal’ education. As a result, the physical, mental and spiritual capabilities, competences, skills and understanding of the beneficiaries are improved. These benefits are tangible and can be demonstrated, for example, through support for learning in early years, developmental activities for children, the gaining of leadership skills, engagement in active citizenship, the development of thinking skills, life skills, and employment skills. This is evidenced by the feedback from participants, data collected on progression and impact and independent evaluations. The beneficiaries are, potentially, any member of the public but in particular early years, children, young people and families experiencing social exclusion. Purpose 2 The benefits that flow from this purpose include reduction of personal harm to individual participants, reduction in anti social behaviour, improved personal knowledge, health awareness and personal self confidence and control which results in improved life choices. The benefits are evident in the reduction of poor health in young people and positive engagement by young people in wider community, school and recreational activities. The work is delivered in local communities by YMCAs with partners who see day to day evidence of the change in behaviours including schools, Councils, Public Health Authorities. Evidence of the change is recorded through practitioner and participant feedback and interagency review. The beneficiaries are young people and their families. Purpose 3 The YMCA recognises young people do not live in isolation from family, community and other institutions in society therefore the benefits from this purpose consist of increased opportunities for volunteering and active citizenship, increased support for community activities, improved community relations and racial harmony and reduced sectarianism. The tangible benefits are demonstrated by increased family and community activity, increased dialogue across community divides, the training of volunteers and feedback from volunteers, leaders, other stakeholders e.g. schools and participants. The beneficiaries of this purpose are young people, families and community leaders, particularly from communities or groups which have a history of division. Purpose 4 The direct benefit secured by this purpose entails the opening of new opportunities for individuals who have difficulty in the areas of health or addiction, physical or educational disability, those at risk of criminal engagement or other sorts of disadvantage. The tangible outcomes include better academic performance, improved social activity, increased employability and stable relationships. These outcomes lead to improved life choices and skills of independent living and reduced dependency on others. This purpose benefits members of the public, usually individuals, referred to the YMCA, through YMCA activities or through links with other agencies. No harm arises from any of the purposes and neither is there any private benefit which is more than incidental or necessary.

What your organisation does

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