YMCA

Who We Are

YMCA Wellington and District was founded in 1859.

We are an independent charity committed to helping young people particularly at times of hardship and need, regardless of gender, race, ability and faith. We are a part of the national and international YMCA movement.

From 1920 until the early 1990’s, we were based at Wrekin Buildings in Tan Bank in the centre of Wellington. From there we provided a substantial range of leisure and social facilities for the people of Wellington. The building is a local landmark and still bears the YMCA name despite us having moved from there in the 1990s.

At that time, there was a need for housing for young homeless people and we moved to Consort House on Victoria Avenue to start meeting that need.

Since then, providing supported housing for young people has been our main activity. Since taking on the original 12 units at Consort House, we have expanded to offer 40 units, including 4 flats next to our original home on Tan Bank and 9 rooms at Flora Dugdale House.

In 2024 we will open our latest development, a conversion of the old Wellington Girls' High School/New College building on King Street. This will contain 28 affordable 1 bedroom apartments for people who are ready to move on from supported or temporary housing in the area. The conversion includes preservation and protection of many of the original features of this listed building, as well as ensuring that these homes are fit for modern living.