See what our Associate YMCA will be up to at GB17, The Common Good …
As the largest and oldest youth charity in the world, working to support, empower and improve the lives of young people in the UK, we are delighted to be returning to Greenbelt Festival for the fourth year running as an associate partner.
While each YMCA is its own individual charity, we understand that we are stronger when we unite, and so we intentionally do so to give a national voice for the young people in our communities. Our presence at Greenbelt reflects this, as volunteers from a number of YMCAs, including YMCA England & Wales, the membership body of the organisation, will be forming our friendly team to engage with festivalgoers and manage facilities and our activities.
We are very proud of our rich history at Greenbelt. Many past festivalgoers will have taken part in our assortment of fun-packed, often adrenaline-fuelled and informative activities that we have run across the site. This year is no different. Here are some highlights to look out for:
- A youth drop-in venue at The Den, offering worship and prayer activities, games and informal support for young people at Greenbelt
- Plenty of games and activities, including a giant inflatable assault course, Zorb Football, Twister and a good old Bouncy Castle – plus our exciting Tribal Wars challenges
- Cake and debate each day
- Pop-a-shot competition
- A workshop on mental health
- Tuck-shop, bursting with pick-and-mix and all sorts of tasty, ethically sourced treats – with some healthier options, too!
There will also be an opportunity to find out more about YMCA’s vital work across the country, our Roomsponsor fundraising campaign, and the chance to get your hands on a free one-day pass to access a YMCA gym near to you.
Over the past few years (and again this year), we have recruited a number of volunteers to run the showers on site – an essential job! Volunteers form the lifeblood of YMCA’s work, both nationally and internationally. We are grateful to all our volunteers who have dedicated their time, skills, experience, knowledge and talents to ensure we can deliver our work, including YMCA’s presence at Greenbelt.
We love coming to Greenbelt Festival – because of what it stands for and celebrates and how it aims to inspire and provoke imagination. Over the years, our staff, volunteers and young people have thoroughly enjoyed all the festival offers, and we have seen many of them flourish as individuals and in faith as a result.
YMCA is an international movement, operating in 119 countries and reaching 58 million people, enabling individuals to develop their full potential in body, mind and spirit. Ever since Sir George Williams founded the charity in 1844, our work has been inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values. We create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.
We are looking so forward to meeting all the young people (and not so young!) at the festival this year and spending time with you all over the Bank Holiday weekend. To get a taste of what we’re up to at the moment, why not check us out online, on Facebook or Twitter.