As the world's first YMCA, Central YMCA is a national charity that advances the education, health and wellbeing of our communities. Our vision is to enable everyone to achieve their potential, live a fulfilled life and contribute positively to society.
Education and Training
Education, skills and apprenticeships to build your career
Whether you’re a school leaver or a working professional, we have a programme to expand your career.
Health and Wellbeing
Get active, exercise and stay well at YMCA Club
London’s most inclusive and friendliest gym with a unique community and programmes for all ages.
YMCAfit
Get qualified as a fitness professional with YMCAfit
We produce outstanding fitness instructors who go the extra mile and inspire their communities.
YMCA Awards
Explore YMCA Awards Products and Qualifications
We design health, fitness and wellbeing qualifications that support employability and career progression.
Our impact
5,379 people leading healthier lives
4,244 learners developing their careers
9,834 certificates issued to learners
Programmes that help our communities
How our Older Adults Programme is making an impact
The programme started over 20 years ago and now helps more than 900 people to get healthy, active and socialise together.
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Fitness Training Academy - Powered by Nike
A 2-year course aiming to break down barriers into the fitness industry and create future role models who can inspire healthy lifestyles in others.
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How our HIV Positive Health Programme is changing lives
Set up in 1997, Central YMCA's exercise programme for people living with HIV is almost 25 years old and has helped over 17,000 people.
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Project Active - a partnership with KCBNA
Helping local young people from disadvantaged backgrounds improve their fitness, mental health and wellbeing.
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Kickstart has made a significant difference to our business
The Kickstart scheme has allowed Ken to grow his business and Holly to start a new career.
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HortAbility - making horticulture accessible
A programme designed to engage, support and train disabled people to start a career in horticulture.
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People we have supported
Meet Basel and Fiona
"He is still mentally sharp, is still able to do all his daily functions on his own, to go shopping, be alert. I attribute that to the YMCA Club."
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Meet Caitlin
"YMCA is a crucial lifeline for people like Caitlin who have struggled to gain the qualifications to get a career"
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Meet Goku
"The FTA course is just as good as I expected it to be. It’s a very welcoming community and I’ve really grown as a person."
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Help us to transform lives
Donate
However big or small, your gift will improve lives through our health, wellbeing, and education programmes.
Donate today
Legacy
Leaving a gift in your will is one of the best ways of ensuring that we can continue our valuable work.
Leave a will
Volunteer
If you're interested in volunteering with us, reach out and we can find something that suits you.
Become a volunteer
Who we are
Our latest news, feature, stories and profiles
Declan: inspiring and innovating fitness across the world
Declan Duncan, who’s worked at Central YMCA UK for over 20 years, is a finalist for ‘Physical Activity Hero’ in the ukActive Awards.
From Dance to a career in fitness helping people do what they love
Hannah's journey in fitness: “I have really enjoyed seeing so many learners come such a long way”
Central YMCA Apprenticeship Awards 2022
Bringing together learners, MPs, partners and employers to promote apprenticeships and their positive impact on society.
COVID-19 Updates
Read our advice and latest updates for:
