Hi YMCA, Happy New Year from the whole YMCA Plymouth team! Here’s your New Year News from our YMCA.
Discovery College student gets dream bedroom makeover thanks to YMCA ‘DIY SOS’ campaign
Lottie, a student at our Discovery College who balances her own personal challenges and learning difficulties along with caring for her mother, who has her own health challenges, got a surprise last month when she was chosen for an extra special bedroom makeover from our YMCA youth team and a host of local sponsors.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we transformed her room into a stunning sanctuary full of her favourite things. Lottie is thrilled with her new space – and we were thrilled to give her this gift before Christmas, as she truly deserves it. See the transformation photos below and all the sponsors who kindly made it possible:
See the transformation
Warm Pack hampers get to hundreds of people in need before Christmas
This year, our festive outreach expanded significantly thanks to our national YMCA partnership with Gas Delivery Networks. Wales & West Utilities donated 300 essential “warm pack” hampers to our YMCA, which, alongside our usual festive hampers that go out to families in need, were distributed to those who need extra help staying warm.
Working with our dedicated partners across the Plymouth Wellbeing and Family Hub networks, we’ve ensured these vital supplies reach even more people in need this winter. It is true Plymouth community spirit in action. Click here to also check out Wales & West Utilities’ handy guide to help you and your family stay safe and warm in your home this winter.
Learn more
Festive Fitness Fun & New Class Timetable for January 2026
Our sports hall was buzzing with festive fitness energy during this year’s big ‘Christmas Cracker’ circuits class. It was fantastic to see so many members show up, working hard and bringing their festive cheer for this fun class – thank you to everyone who joined us!
Don’t forget our January Fitness Class Timetable is out and we’re ready to help you hit your 2026 fitness goals with our huge range of fitness classes at YMCA.
View Class Timetable
Holiday Club Fit & Fed Festive Fun
Our 8.2.5 Holiday Club celebrated the festive season with a high-energy bouncy castle party last week, along with the usual creative arts and crafts, sports and fun games. We were delighted to once again be able to provide free spaces and nutritious hot meals to children through the DfE and Plymouth City Council Fit & Fed scheme, supporting local families when they need it most.
Believe it or not, next month brings another half-term and another club, so look out for when booking is live in the next couple of weeks.
Learn more
Inspiring stories from our Active Health Programme
Activity can be life-changing and life-saving. From improved confidence to better physical and mental wellbeing impacting all areas of their daily lives, hear some of the stories from our Active Health and Rehab service members as they share the impact the programme has on them. Supported by our specialist instructors, this service is run in partnership with Plymouth Active Leisure, helping those with medical conditions ranging from diabetes, heart attacks, lung issues and mental health difficulties.
Watch now
10-week opportunity for young people aged 16-19 starting soon
Our #Futures programme at Discovery College is open for new applicants to join aged 16–19 to unlock their potential. This free, 10-week employability course offers a hands-on blend of practical skills- from woodwork and event marketing, outdoor skills to CV workshops and mentoring.
Based at Saltram House and Discovery College, students gain a Level 1 qualification while building confidence. If you know a young person looking to get their career pathway on track, they can apply directly via our website or get in touch to learn more.
Learn more
Help your community and win £25,000 by entering our Big Charity Lottery
Have you entered our YMCA Plymouth Big Charity Lottery yet? If not, then you’re missing out on the chance to win £25,000 and other cash prizes every single week! It’s simple to play for as little as £1 a week, and it helps fund our vital charitable work right here in Plymouth at your YMCA. From combating loneliness for elderly people to providing free activities for children with additional needs, your contribution makes a big difference. So why not switch your usual lottery to us this week, and start 2026 with a boost to your community and possibly a big boost to your January shopping budget.
Play Now
New Support & Advice section launched on our website
Looking for support and not knowing where to start? Whether it’s health, family or daily-life issues, we’ve launched our brand-new Support & Advice page, a new helpful resource for you. The new section highlights the diverse support available at our YMCA and the range of drop-in advice provision now hosted at our centre, including Citizens Advice, Livewell South West, our own Family Welcome Hub space and more.
Beyond our own centre, the page is a vital gateway to the wider Plymouth Wellbeing and Family Hub networks, where you can find what is going on near you and access wider services and activities. Whether you need direct help or a referral to external specialists, check out the webpage and get in touch with us to learn more.
Visit Now
Looking for a new gym this January?
At YMCA Plymouth, community is at the heart of our gym ethos. We know that feeling comfortable, encouraged, and part of something bigger, is what keeps people showing up again and again to make those positive changes for their health & wellbeing.
From a free induction to help get you started, to a friendly staff team always here to help and a welcoming face at reception – you’ll find starting your fitness journey at YMCA feels much more than your average gym experience. Join our fitness community today and let’s start your 2026 fitness journey together.
