Annual Review 2021

Mark McFeeters - President YMCA Ireland

This year the global coronavirus pandemic has continued to interrupt our regular practices. Historically, the YMCA has adapted to navigate unprecedented circumstances and stand in solidarity with young people, families and communities, especially those most negatively impacted by surrounding political, social and economic instabilities. This year has demonstrated how that historic YMCA spirit lives on in Ireland and across the globe.

This Annual Review captures stories of innovative practice and engagement with young people. Stories of supportive communities also fill these pages reflecting a renewed awareness of our interdependence locally and globally. At a time when movement has been restricted, a commitment to engaging across the island and throughout the globe has been displayed with the creation of new digital spaces.

The community hub at Greenhill YMCA National Centre is among a number of building projects completed within the movement this year, Lisburn YMCA also has a fully refurbished building to operate in and from. The YMCA in Ireland continues to build for the future and create spaces for learning and growth.

Alongside this we said farewell to a number of long standing staff in particular Joy McNally from Larne YMCA & Willie Lamrock from Londonderry YMCA. We wish them both well in the future.

As a YMCA movement we are committed to working together around our mission and vision to build a better future for young people, their families and communities. We have and will continue to do this by advocating for social justice and global development. As we commence this work in 2022, we will continue to address issues around inclusion and personnel through our sub committees, looking forward to the new opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you to all volunteers and staff for your tireless efforts this year, particularly in the midst of challenging circumstances. Your commitment is reflected through the uplifting stories in this report.