From humble beginnings in the City of London in 1844, the YMCA has grown to become a worldwide organisation and the largest youth charity in the world with 58 million members in 119 countries.
Since it was established, the YMCA has adapted to meet the needs of today’s young people and works with children, young people and families regardless of race, religion or culture. In every corner of the world, the YMCA is helping young people to build a future. The work we do everyday impacts on the lives of young people and their families in their local communities.
YMCA Fairthorne Group operates throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and has developed rapidly since it was formed in 2002 through the merger of a number of local YMCAs, supporting hundreds of thousands of children and young people in this time. The Group is made up of:
- YMCA Fairthorne Manor – formed in 1947 near Botley and until 2002 one of two National Centres owned and operated by YMCA England. Originally a training centre for boys going to sea, it has developed into a community resource that sits at the heart of YMCA Fairthorne Group. Discover more of the Fairthorne history.
- YMCA Winchester – formed in 1847, joining the Fairthorne Group in 2013
- YMCA Portsmouth – formed in 1851
- YMCA Southampton – formed in 1878
- YMCA Eastleigh – formed in 2015
- YMCA Basingstoke – formed in the 1990’s
- YMCA Isle of Wight – formed in 2004
- YMCA Andover – formed in 2017
Today, our staff and trustees are working towards establishing YMCA places in many more communities to support families where we are needed most. For further information on our plans, visit our Strategic Plan and What makes us different pages.
YMCA Fairthorne Group is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales, company number 4336719 and registered charity number 1090981 (view our registration on the Charity Commission’s website).
Our registered office is: YMCA Fairthorne Group, Fairthorne Manor, Southampton SO30 2GH where you can contact us on 01489 785228.
