Purpose, principles and partnerships
Our purpose
To create safe, caring places for people in challenging times, meeting them where they’re at and helping them to make the most of what comes next.
Operating Principles
We will always work to our purpose and values, operating across four core strands:
- People experiencing homelessness
- Domestic abuse
- Problematic drug and alcohol use
- Mental health issues.
We recognise that we achieve more when we work together. Our organisation is committed to transparent collaboration with our teams, partner organisations, funders, and commissioners.
We tender for services only where there is a new commission, a gap in service, or where the current service doesn’t meet the needs of the people it serves. Except in these cases, we do not compete directly with other voluntary sector organisations or develop solely for business growth.
Partnership working
We know that we’re not experts in all areas of work. Therefore, we work with partners who share our values to increase and improve our services.
We will assess any new partnership against our purpose, values, and operating principles.
Our SHREK Values
Strength
We have the courage to fight for what’s right. We recognise the work we do is challenging.
We acknowledge the need to make difficult decisions.
Humility
We put other people first. We cooperate with openness and honesty, and accept help when we need it.
We work together as a team and make people feel included in our community.
Respect
We’re sympathetic to the emotions and needs of other people. We make people feel safe and understood.
We foster inclusion and cohesion.
Empathy
We always do things with people, never to them. We listen to other people intently and respect their point of view.
We take steps to connect with people so we can understand their journey.
Kindness
We amplify overlooked voices. We share resources freely and without judgement.
We offer unconditional support to people experiencing challenging times.
Work for us
Are you kind, caring and committed to helping others?
Looking for rewarding work that makes a genuine difference to people in need?
Look no further than YMCA Together – officially the best charity to work for in the UK*
YMCA Together gives hope to people experiencing challenging times. We provide safe, caring spaces, meeting people where they’re at and helping them make the most of whatever comes next.
Volunteer at YMCA Together
When you volunteer with YMCA Together, you make a genuine difference.
You give hope to people experiencing homelessness and challenging times. You let them see there are people who understand what they’re going through. And you show them you’ll be there for them, wherever they’re at. We have roles to suit everyone’s skills.
Our Team
Our Partnerships
In 2021 YMCA Together were proudly awarded the NAVAJO Chartermark.
Navajo is an equality mark supported by LGBTQ Community networks across Merseyside. It is a signifier of good practice, commitment and knowledge of the specific needs, issues and barriers facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) people across Merseyside and Cheshire.
The Navajo Merseyside Consultative Partnership was formed in 2010 and over 60 cross-sector partners now intend to achieve the Chartermark standards. On the 17th May 2012 the first ever award ceremony was held in Liverpool to celebrate the achievements of the first organisations to gain the Chartermark.
For more information about NAVAJO and how to be involved please visit their website:
News
All our latest news can be found below and on our social media channels via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Just search for YMCA Together.