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Big news: One YMCA has a new name
We have some exciting news to share with our brilliant community of supporters, fundraisers and volunteers. We have officially changed our name from One YMCA to YMCA Chiltern Group.
Why are we getting a new name?
Over the past 140 years, we have grown from the first YMCA meeting in Watford to become one of the largest YMCA groups in England and Wales, serving communities across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire.
As we celebrate this important anniversary and reflect on the positive impact we have made, we also want to look ahead to future growth opportunities.
Our new name, YMCA Chiltern Group, aims to unite all our services under one collective name and reflects our ambitions for the future.
What isn't changing?
The support we provide to our beneficiaries.
All of our existing services will continue,
and we will still need your help to deliver
them across the region.
Why did we choose the word ‘Chiltern’?
We wanted a name that would help connect us to the regions we serve, be more recognisable to local communities, and feel meaningful to our vision and purpose.
We were inspired by the Chiltern Hills, the beautiful range of hills stretching across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Just as these counties are connected by the Chilterns, we are a group of regional services connected by a common thread: supporting local young people and families to belong, contribute and thrive.
The concept of hills also acts as a metaphor for the experiences of those who access YMCA Chiltern Group's services: the journeys people take through life, overcoming challenges and seeing new opportunities on the horizon.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others...Matthew 5:14–16
In this way, YMCA Chiltern Group hopes to act as a guide, helping the people we support move forward on their journey.
Have a question?
If you have any questions about our new name or what the change means for you, please feel free to get in touch with our team.
Thank you for being part of our journey
Thank you for being such an important part of our journey so far. We look forward to growing with you as we begin this exciting next chapter as YMCA Chiltern Group.
