Following several years of collaborative working Eastbourne & Wealden YMCA merged with YMCA DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG) on 4 June 2018.
This merger provides an exciting opportunity for both YMCAs who share a vision of supporting local young people to belong, contribute and thrive.
Eastbourne & Wealden YMCA operates across Eastbourne and Hailsham providing supported housing and community work for young people. Both YMCAs have a history of supporting young people in housing crisis, and helping them move towards independent living. Both share a strong interest in enabling young people to ‘belong, contribute and thrive’ in a variety of settings and this merger means that current services will be strengthened.
YMCA DLG has grown in recent years to deliver youth accommodation and opportunities across Sussex and West Surrey. With a YMCA DLG presence already in Hastings, this merger strengthens the offer across East Sussex and will seek to build on what is currently provided.
Chas Walker, CEO of YMCA DLG said, “YMCA DownsLink Group and Eastbourne & Wealden YMCA have been working closely together over the past couple of years. Both Boards of Trustees are pleased to have reached the position of formally merging the organisations to ensure the YMCA has the capacity to further develop its services in East Sussex to meet the needs of children and young people.”
The merger was celebrated with a splendid barbecue to welcome Eastbourne & Wealden YMCA staff into the YMCA DLG family. Going forward there will be no disruption to any existing Eastbourne & Wealden YMCA services and the YMCA remains committed to the local communities.
