Partner Article

YMCA Together Becomes You Matter as Charity Marks 180 Years of Work Across the Liverpool City Region

One of Liverpool’s longest-standing charities has announced it is changing its name as it marks 180 years of supporting communities. 

YMCA Together will become You Matter, marking a new chapter for the organisation and the work it delivers across the Liverpool City Region. 

Founded in 1846 as one of the first YMCAs in the country, it has worked alongside communities for generations, particularly those facing homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges and domestic abuse. 

Chief Executive Officer Ellie McNeil said: “Nationally, the YMCA movement has increasingly focused on supporting young people, while here in the Liverpool City Region, we’ve continued to evolve as the challenges facing our communities have changed. 

“You Matter represents more than a new name. It gives us greater freedom to be creative, flexible and responsive to meeting local need, both now and into the future.” 

Demand for services continues to grow as increasing numbers face housing insecurity, mental health pressures and the impact of financial hardship. Last year, the charity supported more than 3,000 individuals and now provides more than 800 supported accommodation spaces across Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley. 

Ellie added: “People who come to us are often dealing with several challenges at once. Lives rarely fit neatly into one category, and our work has developed to reflect that. 

“The name You Matter captures something that has always been central to how we work. We’ve always believed in people, not problems, and that every person deserves dignity, stability and the opportunity to rebuild their life.” 

Support across the organisation is built around safe homes, specialist services and psychologically informed care, recognising that progress is not always linear and that stability is built through time, consistency and trusted relationships. 

It works in partnership with local authorities, health services and community organisations across the Liverpool City Region, and the name change does not affect existing services or partnerships. 

Ellie said: “Across the country, we’re seeing increasing pressure around housing, mental health and addiction, and many people are navigating several challenges at the same time. 

“What we’ve learned over many years is that stability comes from safe homes, trusted relationships and support that stays with people long enough for change to happen. That understanding will continue to guide our work in the years ahead.” 

The charity was admitted to Liverpool City Council’s Freedom Roll of Associations and Institutions in 2024, one of the city’s highest civic honours recognising its continued contribution to supporting those across Liverpool. 

It has also been recognised nationally for its workplace culture, achieving a three-star accreditation from Best Companies for staff engagement. 

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Oliver Thomas .