YMCA Together Rebrands to Celebrate 180 Years of Service in Liverpool

Marking 180 years of community support, one of Liverpool’s longest-standing charities has confirmed it is changing its name. 

YMCA Together is rebranding as ‘You Matter’, shifting into a new chapter for the charity and the work it delivers across the Liverpool City Region. 

Being one of the first YMCAs in the country, the charity was founded in 1846 and has worked with communities for generations, especially in areas such as mental health, addiction, homelessness and domestic abuse. 

Chief Executive Officer Ellie McNeil said: 

“Nationally, the YMCA movement has increasingly focused on supporting young people, while here in the Liverpool City Region, we’ve continued to evolve as the challenges facing our communities have changed. 

“You Matter represents more than a new name. It gives us greater freedom to be creative, flexible and responsive to meeting local need, both now and into the future.” 

With increasing numbers facing housing insecurity, mental health pressures and the impact of financial hardship, the demand for services just continues to grow. 

The charity supported more than 3,000 people last year and it provides more than 800 supported accommodation spaces within  Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley. 

Ellie added:

“People who come to us are often dealing with several challenges at once. Lives rarely fit neatly into one category, and our work has developed to reflect that. 

“The name You Matter captures something that has always been central to how we work. We’ve always believed in people, not problems, and that every person deserves dignity, stability and the opportunity to rebuild their life.” 

Support is focused around safe homes, specialist services and psychologically informed care. It recognises that progress is not always a straight line and that stability is built through time, consistency and trusted relationships. 

The charity works in partnership with local authorities, community organisations and health services across the Liverpool City Region. This new name change will not affect existing services or partnerships. 

Ellie said: 

“Across the country, we’re seeing increasing pressure around housing, mental health and addiction, and many people are navigating several challenges at the same time. 

“What we’ve learned over many years is that stability comes from safe homes, trusted relationships and support that stays with people long enough for change to happen. That understanding will continue to guide our work in the years ahead.” 

As one of the city’s biggest civic honours, the charity was admitted to Liverpool City Council’s Freedom Roll of Associations and Institutions in 2024, which shines a light on its continued contribution to supporting people.

Additionally, the charity has also been recognised nationally for its workplace culture and has even gained a three-star accreditation from Best Companies for staff engagement.

Find out more about YMCA Together’s rebrand and services here.

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