YMCA Cheltenham houses a record number of children and young people amid rising homelessness

Gloucestershire

YMCA Cheltenham has housed more people over the past year across its Gloucestershire accommodation than ever before, at a time when homelessness and poverty continue to escalate across the county.

The charity, which has been supporting those most in need in communities in Gloucestershire since 1855, shared the news with a packed room of trustees, staff, volunteers and partners, at its 169th Annual General Meeting on 22 October at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham.

Between 2024 and 2025, the charity provided housing for 843 people from the county - individuals who would otherwise have faced homelessness. This includes 278 children and young people, along with 149 families, delivering a total of 98,644 safe and secure nights of accommodation. Its ‘Feed Cheltenham’ team has been in equally high demand, distributing £8,145 worth of food vouchers, while 2,748 people accessed its local food support services.

 

 

Guests attending the annual event heard how the past year has been one of both challenges and triumphs for YMCA Cheltenham - one of the oldest YMCAs in the world – with reports now suggesting that the country is in critical need of 90,000 new social rent homes a year for 10 years to end homelessness for good.

In the last five years, family homelessness has surged by 20% in Britain with recent government figures showing a record 172,420 children staying in temporary accommodation, an 8% increase compared to the previous year. Of these children, 268 were in Gloucestershire; 100 more than the previous year who were homeless and living in temporary accommodation.

A record 4.5 million children also live in poverty in the UK, according to latest figures from the Department of Work & Pensions, with an extra 100,000 children living below the breadline in the year to April 2024.

Joseph Main, Chief Executive of YMCA Cheltenham, said: “The past year has seen a worrying rise in poverty and family homelessness across the UK, with the social housing sector under significant pressure along with UK food banks. This is all exacerbated by the economic challenges facing families, from inflation to rising utility bills. This puts financial strain on both people and charities as operational costs increase while donations reduce.

“Last year we had 58 children wake up on Christmas morning in our accommodation while our food support services have seen unprecedented demand. Despite these pressures, and thanks to the generous support we receive, we continue to remain committed to serving the local community effectively through our core housing, children and families, and health and wellbeing services.

“We are encouraged by the government’s pledge for an additional £2 billion for social and affordable housing, which we see as a potential catalyst for positive change during a time where there is a critical need for more social homes.”

 

In October, the Government reaffirmed its target to build 1.5 million homes over the current Parliament, investing £39 billion into social and affordable homes.

 

Joseph added: “YMCA Cheltenham is in a unique position to impact the lives of the people we serve, from housing families and children to dealing first-hand in the levels of support needed for those who may have suffered adverse circumstances in their childhood. The government has faced criticism for the quality of its temporary housing, and YMCA Cheltenham remains steadfast in our advocacy for better conditions and solutions, driven by the good we do.

“It is a challenging time for all, and we greatly appreciate the continued support and donations we receive. Without it we couldn’t deliver on our objectives, which over the next three years include tackling the root cause of homelessness, increasing support for children and young people, engaging more deeply with the community, and increasing our assistance to families in need.”

 

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