Strategy

LONDONDERRY YMCA LTD STRATEGIC PLAN 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Chair- 2 Where it persons all began Foreword 3 Where we 4 Vision & are now Mission 5 Values 6-7 Strategic Priorities

CHAIRPERSONS FOREWORD We find ourselves living in a fragile world, environmentally, financially and socially, continually moving between crises. This strategy aspires to guide Londonderry YMCA Ltd and the children, young people and wider community which it serves through an unpredictable future. It authenticates our commitment to meeting the needs of our community with our values at the heart of everything we do. The dedication to our vision of a world where children, young people, their families and communities flourish in body, mind and spirit is visible throughout. Thank you to the young people, staff and volunteers who have given their time to contribute to this ambitious strategy. ANDREW TATE CHAIRPERSON 1

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN... Londonderry YMCA was formed on the 9th December 1856 by 12 members of the 3rd Derry (Great James Street) Presbyterian Church. On 14th November 1867, the first purpose built YMCA in Europe was opened on the East Wall, the current site of the Millennium Forum. Through two world wars, Londonderry YMCA played an important role in supporting the welfare of troops both within the city and beyond. The YMCA continued to thrive at the East Wall. Many who joined the movement had spiritual, community, youth and sporting interests. By the 1970’s, the East Wall headquarters was showing its age and required significant modernisation. From 1971 to 1973, three bombs were planted in the East Wall building in what was to become known as ‘the troubles’. Following this, the difficult decision was made to shore up the building and move Londonderry YMCA out of the city centre. It wasn’t until 1984 that Londonderry YMCA officially opened its new headquarter building at Drumahoe. It was the belief that Londonderry YMCA still had a significant and valuable role in bringing forward the youth, community and sporting people to a better place that kept the trustees driven during this time. The development of the sporting activities and youth programmes quickly followed the opening of the new site. The football, under Institute Football Club, YMCA rugby and cricket used the impressive 19 acre playing fields along the banks of the Faughan. The establishment of a full-time youth programme and community development initiatives brought a strong Northwest base to the organisation. 2

WHERE WE ARE NOW... In more recent times, the catastrophic floods of August 2017 resulted in the loss of the principal resource for Londonderry YMCA’s sporting narrative. March 2020 brought a global pandemic. However, despite the challenges, Londonderry YMCA’s commitment to young people and the community never deviated. In October 2021, the retirement of the long-term General Secretary altered the organisations leadership significantly. The Board of Directors have appointed a new General Secretary who began the process of reviewing the strategic direction of Londonderry YMCA Ltd after this prolonged period of change. From the review, our vision, mission and values were born and the strategic priorities for the organisation were identified. These underpin the foundations upon which Londonderry YMCA is built and maintains responsiveness to the needs of the community we serve. 3

VISION & MISSION Londonderry YMCA’s vision is a world where children, young people, their families and communities flourish in body, mind and spirit. Our mission is: To facilitate the creation of inclusive communities where everyone feels welcomed, accepted and inspired as co-creators in our community; and To provide life-enriching opportunities for children, young people, their families and communities through a holistic approach. 4

VALUES Londonderry YMCA is a place of: Welcome (diverse, inclusive, accepting, caring, positive, a safe space); Opportunity (believing in everyone’s potential, growth and development of everyone through informal and formal approaches); Collaboration (youth & community-led, participation, platform for listening to children and young people's voice); Wellbeing (thriving, flourishing, working from strengths and trauma informed holistic approach); Reconciliation (peacebuilding, shared communities); Integrity (fairness, equality and respect). 5

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Four strategic priorities have been identified, which will drive our future work programmes. Each priority is supported by a series of objectives and outcomes, which will define the envisaged changes and how they will be achieved. The objectives identified against the priorities are not exhaustive, and it is expected these will evolve and adapt over time to reflect the changes in the environment we serve. 6

Explore Opportunities... For operational diversification. To celebrate the rich heritage of Londonderry YMCA. Build a foundation for... Environmentally friendly operations. Financial stability. Enhance... Facilities. Relationships. Communications. Invest... In programmes, people and communities, in parallel with organisational enhancements to meet the needs of all our 7 stakeholders.

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