Every year, young people in Milton Keynes find themselves struggling to find the right support, options and opportunities they need to fully realise their potential. This could be a safe place to call home or a positive adult role model who is committed to their success. That’s where YMCA MK comes in.
Since opening its doors in 1981 to support young people in housing need, it has supported over 10,000 young people in the local community. Offering much more than just a home – YMCA MK provides practical, emotional and employment support to enable young people to belong, contribute and thrive.
At the heart of YMCA MK lies a sense of community and belonging, a value that permeates every aspect of the organisation. This makes the Community Lunches a firm favourite in the YMCA MK calendar. These gatherings, held on the third Thursday of every month from midday to 1.30pm are open to all, offering a warm invitation to share in a delicious home-cooked meal.
There is no agenda, it is just a chance for any would-be friends to get to know the team better and for existing friends to come and say hello. Everyone is welcome, and you never know who you might meet.
Each lunch is themed or hosted by a friend of YMCA, some of the favourites have been a community lunch take-over by MK College and a delicious lunch cooked by the amazing volunteers.
Upcoming Community Lunches include a White Ribbon theme, aimed at highlighting awareness and support for a global movement to end violence against women and girls, and a Community Lunch hosted by Bridgman and Bridgman on YMCA MK’s Green Roof in celebration of World Green Roof Day.
“I love Community Lunches,”
said Lorraine Devereux, Fundraising Manager at YMCA MK.
“They are different every month and I love the opportunity to meet new people and talk about our amazing young people living at YMCA MK.
“Every month we open our doors to welcome anyone who would like to join us and learn more about the great work we are doing at YMCA MK. Come and meet our team and young people.”
