Young people's charity decides to go it alone

Leading Scottish charity Ypeople has announced its disaffiliation from the wider YMCA movement.

Joe Connolly, chief executive of Ypeople, said: “We’re extremely proud of our longstanding YMCA history but the growth in our range of services and expansion of our geography means that as an organisation we’re no longer compatible with the YMCA model of a federation of local services.

“As a result, via a mutual agreement with YMCA Scotland, we’ve taken the decision to disaffiliate from the association.

“The charity has undergone many changes over the last 195 years, but our central purpose remains the same – supporting positive change in people’s lives. We offer a wide range of services to reach the widest demographic we can in Scotland.

“We work hard for those who need us, and we will always provide services to achieve the most we can for our service users.”

Ypeople set up the Ypeople group in January 2017 following a merger with YWCA Scotland – The Young Women’s Movement and they are keen to see expansion of this group.

Connolly added: “We wish YMCA Scotland and the wider YMCA movement well for the future and will continue to value and cherish our rich heritage.”