Who we are
YMCA Northamptonshire believes all young people should have the support and opportunity to belong, contribute and thrive.
YMCA believes in fairness and opportunity. These are essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home; acceptance; guidance; friendship; physical and mental health; academic support; employment skills; and access to real opportunities.
Many young people have never known these things; other people have lost one or more as they grew up, but we all need them. All of us. At YMCA, we provide these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.
YMCA Northamptonshire is an independent charity and affiliate to YMCA England and Wales. We provide supported housing and holistic support dedicated to young people who have experienced care in Northamptonshire.
Close
YMCA Leadership
YMCA is the oldest and largest charity working with young people in the world. Meet our Senior Leadership Team and Trustees.
Simon Green
CEO YMCA MK and Northamptonshire
Close
Simon Green
CEO YMCA MK and Northamptonshire
With a background in social housing Simon has been with the organisation since 2009 and enjoys seeing people feel proud working for or living at YMCA MK.
Fun fact – Simon is obsessed with football!
Anne Rhind
Deputy CEO YMCA MK and Northamptonshire
Close
Anne Rhind
Deputy CEO YMCA MK and Northamptonshire
With extensive experience in the charitable sector Anne joined YMCA MK in 2018 to support the capital appeal for the new campus and loves hearing the inspirational stories of our young people.
Fun fact – Anne loves vintage shopping!
Kat Newman
Director of Youth and Community YMCA MK and Northamptonshire
Close
Kat Newman
Director of Youth and Community YMCA MK and Northamptonshire
Kat has worked in the youth and community sector for the last 13 years. Kat is experienced in delivering co-production projects and prioritises youth voice in all aspects of her work.
Fun fact – Kat loves Diet Coke and KitKats!
Steve Brown
Trustee
Close
Steve Brown
Trustee
Steve has dedicated his career to working with some of the most vulnerable and challenging children and young people in the UK fo almost 20 years. Starting his career in a young offender’s prison and moving on to work in children’s homes into roles including Registered Manager, Responsible Individual and Director. Steve is passionate about providing the highest quality of care for young people and adults and supporting providers to achieve this.
Throughout his career, Steve has been committed to advocating for children and families, continually seeking to improve the quality of care and support. The experience gained over the years has not only enhanced his leadership skills but also deepened his understanding of the challenges faced by children in care. This journey has reinforced his belief in resilience and hope, both for the children served and for the professionals dedicated to their care. Steve has a proven track record of registering and managing ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ residential children’s homes and maintaining the highest levels of care for children and young people. A strong leader and strategic thinker with the ability to inspire and cultivate productive working relationships with employees and stakeholders. Steve has significant experience in developing and implementing organisational strategies and operational plans to deliver key objectives.
Pam Heath
Treasurer of the Board of Trustees YMCA Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire
Close
Pam Heath
Treasurer of the Board of Trustees YMCA Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire
Pam Heath is a qualified accountant with a long career working in large, well-known organisations covering finance, commercial and project management roles. For the last fourteen years Pam has been a school governor, with the desire to help support the experiences and outcomes of young people.
Fun Fact: Pam enjoys supporting Northampton Saints and watching most sports, particularly cricket.
Preston Ayres BEM
Trustee
Close
Preston Ayres BEM
Trustee
Preston was a partner in Grant Thornton and has extensive finance experience. He negotiated the purchase of our original flats and retail units. This valuable asset enabled the recent development of our amazing new campus, which was opened in March 2020.
Fun fact – Preston loves motor sport and in 2000 did the London to Sydney Marathon in a Ford Escort Mk1!
Robert Higginbottom
Trustee
Close
Robert Higginbottom
Trustee
Robert has held senior management positions within the YMCA Federation, and other Federated Supported Housing Charities specialising in Supported Housing Management, Facilities Management and Charity Governance.
Fun fact – Robert has a keen interest in UK Heritage and Conservation.
Dr Anthony Holden
Chair
Close
Dr Anthony Holden
Chair
Tony is by profession a physicist and has an extensive background in youth work with 32 years as leader in the Scout Association including serving as District Commissioner in South Northamptonshire.
Fun fact – Tony plays trumpet and occasionally plays in the Parish Church with his wife Jacinta who is a concert pianist and organist.
YMCA through the years
YMCA is one of the oldest charities supporting young people in the world and continues to expand and grow.
1844
YMCA was founded by Sir George Williams – a worker in the drapery trade in London. Concerned about the welfare of his fellow workers, he started a prayer and bible study group. This soon grew and attracted men from across London.
1844-1849
YMCA begins to address other concerns of young men working in the cities. Public lectures and education classes are developed. Reading rooms and refreshment areas help young men to adjust to urban life.
1845
YMCA spreads outside London and branches are set up in Manchester and Leeds.
1969
YMCA Northamptonshire opens, supporting young people throughout the county.
1905
The World Alliance of YMCAs celebrates its 50th anniversary. There are now YMCAs in 45 countries with a global membership of over 707,000.
George Williams dies at the age of 83 and is laid to rest in the crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral.
1970s
During the 1970s, YMCA increases its emphasis on young people most in need, focusing on homelessness and unemployment.
YMCA Training for Life is launched, in response to high unemployment among young people. This results in the creation of YMCA Training – one of the UK’s leading vocational training organisations. YMCA Training has supported over a million people to date.
2010
In 2010 significant cuts to council budgets meant YMCA Northamptonshire had to close its services. YMCA MK stepped in to manage the remaining properties and changed its provision to student accommodation.
2024
YMCA Northamptonshire relaunches charitable services, providing supported housing and holistic support for young people leaving care.
Get involved
There are many ways individuals and organisations can support YMCA Northampton and our residents. With your help, we can do even more to help our local young people to belong, contribute and thrive.