Cheltenham YMCA is a Christian organisation. Central to our aims are Christian values and service. Our main objective is meeting the needs of young people and creating personal development opportunities for all.

The History of the YMCA
The YMCA movement was founded in 1844 in London by George Williams. While learning the drapery trade George Williams held prayer meetings and Bible Studies in his lodgings with other young drapery assistants. It was not long before the group expanded, drawing to it young men who were alone and lonely in the City of London.

From this it quickly grew. George Williams and his friends recognised they should not just serve young Christians but they should work with all people and meet the needs of all those with whom they worked day by day.

The YMCA remains a Christian and Voluntary Organisation and today has grown into an International Organisation operating in over 100 countries world wide with some 30 million members and programme participants. In England there are over 150 Local Associations of which Cheltenham YMCA is one.