World YMCA President Soheila Hayek, and YMCA England and Wales Vice President Peter Posner OBE, visit Newark and Sherwood YMCA Community and Activity Village on Lord Hawke Way, Newark
The YMCA recently welcomed global and national leaders to Newark to tour their facilities and highlight the work they do helping young people in our area.
World YMCA President Soheila Hayek, alongside YMCA England and Wales Vice President Peter Posner OBE, visited the YMCA Community and Activity Village on Lord Hawke Way, showing of the strong bond YMCA leadership has with local communities.
They toured and praised the many diverse facilities on offer at the village and expressed their admiration for the way in which community engagement was fostered.
Soheila has extensive experience in non-profit leadership and youth empowerment with over a decade at YMCA Lebanon and involvement in various NGOs, she also has demonstrated a deep understanding of strategic planning, governance, and advocacy.
She said: “Empowering today’s youth with the necessary resources is not just important; it’s essential.”
The visit coincided with a summer training session for YMCA Camp Williams, where Soheila shared her personal journey with the YMCA and spoke about the vital role the organisation played during the Lebanese civil war, delivering crucial aid and medical supplies as the only neutral organisation.
“The YMCA’s ability to adapt and meet the needs of children and young people is truly remarkable,” she said.
Soheila and Peter saw a National Indoor Climbing Scheme class with young children confidently using the climbing centre, and outside players practiced on the football pitches, highlighting another YMCA commitment to promoting physical health and teamwork among young people.
The pair also met musicians rehearsing in one of the education rooms, which are available to support the arts and youth creativity, and in the YMCA Café, Soheila spoke with customers, many of whom were parents of children participating in activities.
Expressed her admiration for the YMCA Nursery, she said “It’s wonderful to see how the YMCA here has created such a welcoming and vibrant community environment for families.”
During the visit Steffen Benbow, executive director or YMCA Newark and Sherwood shared insights into the successes of the YMCA Childrens Residential Care Homes across Nottinghamshire.
He said: “We’re seeing remarkable growth in confidence among the children, thanks to the wraparound care provided.
“Some are now able to participate in YMCA Camp Williams, they love taking part in all the activities and it’s wonderful to see them thrive in such a supportive environment.”
Joe Piliero, YMCA Robin Hood Group executive director of hospitality, said that their aim is to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive independently, when speaking about the range of courses offered at YMCA Supported Housing facilities, from cooking and career advice to outdoor education and financial literacy.
Management at YMCA Newark and Sherwood said the important visit highlighted the global unity and purpose that drives the YMCA, bringing together diverse communities to create positive change and foster a better future for young people.
