In a notable visit, the UK’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and local MP Johnny Mercer visited YMCA Plymouth, actively engaging with members and participating in community club activities.
The visit highlighted YMCA Plymouth’s crucial role in the local community, showcasing its services and addressing pertinent challenges.
The Prime Minister and MP Mercer took the opportunity to connect with members from two community clubs, Plymouth Mayflower Specials (of which Mercer is president) and the climbing wall team ‘The Rock.’ Both clubs are integral components of the diverse activities hosted at the YMCA Plymouth center, which serves the local community seven days a week.
During the visit, YMCA Plymouth not only showcased its facilities and services but also shed light on the challenges faced by the people of Plymouth, challenges resonating across various YMCA communities. The event coincided with the launch of YMCA’s manifesto and the presentation of the ‘On the Ropes‘ report, advocating for sustained government funding and access to youth services in England.
Tom Lavis, Chief Executive of YMCA Plymouth, expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister’s visit, stating, “While it’s a privilege for YMCA Plymouth to host the Prime Minister and a Cabinet Minister, we took the opportunity to not simply talk about what we do but to also get them actively engaged with our members and take part in some of the activities we offer. Their willingness to participate in meaningful conversations was a chance for us to highlight the challenges faced by our local community and show them first-hand what we’re doing at a YMCA like ours, which is very far from Westminster!”
This visit serves as a testament to the commitment of YMCA Plymouth in fostering community engagement and advocating for the support needed to address local challenges and sustain vital youth services.
