About Us
Welcome to the YMCA Reading. We are part of the English Federation of YMCAs and the worldwide YMCA Movement. YMCA is the largest and the oldest charity working with young people in the world. Across England there are 114 YMCAs, each one is a thriving and active community. A community that is transforming lives. We provide a wide array of community based activities and services to help meet local needs. YMCA Reading has been active since 1845 making us one of the oldest YMCAs in the world.
At YMCA, we believe everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.
YMCA believes in fairness and opportunity. These are essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home, acceptance, guidance, friendship, physical and mental health, academic support, employability skills, and access to real opportunities
Many young people have never known these things, other people have lost one or more as they grew up, but we all need them. All of us.
At YMCA, we provide these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.
Our Work
Our aim is to empower young people and build stronger communities. Here at YMCA Reading we do everything we can to bring young people together, give them opportunities to try new things, and integrate with the local community.
Our primary service is to provide quality supported accommodation to 40 of Reading’s most vulnerable 18-25 year olds who would otherwise be homeless.
We are very proud to run the Parkside Pre-School and Parkside Café, providing vital resources for the local community and families.
Our sports centre also provides classes for the local community to enjoy.
YMCA Reading is a non profit organisation with everything we do here going back to help the young people. So you are safe in the knowledge that from every cup of coffee you buy in the café through to hiring any of our spaces you are helping our charitable cause.
Vacancies
If you are interested in any of the positions below, please download the relevant Job Description, Application Form and Criminal Background Check/Equal Opportunity Form. Complete and return to us at info@ymcareading.org
You must complete both the Application form and the Criminal Background Check/Equal Opportunity Form to be considered.
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Administrator |
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Application form (All Positions) |
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Criminal Background Check & Equal Opportunity Form ( All positions) |
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Facilities Assistant Job Description |
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Support Worker ( Part Time) Job Description |
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Application form (All Positions) |
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Criminal Background Check & Equal Opportunity Form ( All positions) |
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Our Team
Dave Poulton
Chief Executive Officer
Dave joined YMCA Reading in April 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Youth, Playwork and Community sectors.
Dave has a community focus and is particularly interested in the rights of children and young people, commenting “I am particularly motivated by striving to improve services, and to have a positive impact on the lives of children and young people”.
Looking forward, Dave is excited to work closely with the Board of Trustees and the YMCA family to successfully deliver YMCA Reading’s strategic plan.
Jayne Evanson
General Manager
Jayne has over 28 years’ experience working in Supported Housing and came to Reading YMCA from a larger scheme based in High Wycombe where she was Supported Housing Manager for 15 years.
She was part of the initial Supporting People funding implementation and has worked on improvements to Support Plans to ensure they are person cantered and led by the client groups.
Alison Bennett
Parkside Pre-School Manager & Acting Parkside Café Manager
Alison brings a wealth of experience to the world of early childhood education, having worked in both Early Years settings and Key Stage One for many years. With her Level 3 qualification in Early Years Child Care and Education, she has a solid foundation in child development and educational practices. In 2009, Alison further enhanced her expertise by
achieving Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and excellence in teaching.
At Parkside Pre-School, Alison plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations, ensuring a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. Her responsibilities extend beyond management; she is the designated safeguarding lead, ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in her care. Additionally, Alison leads the two-year-old check initiative, providing essential assessments to support early development.
Alison also takes on the key person’s role, fostering strong relationships with children and their families to create a supportive and personalized learning experience. Her dedication to early years education and her multifaceted role at Parkside Pre-School make her an invaluable asset to the community, where she continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of learners.
Away from Pre-School, Alison enjoys her family life with her two group up children, long distance walking, swimming and baking.
Donna Cousins
Bookings & Administrations Manager
Since joining the YMCA Reading team in May 2021, Donna has brought her graphic design expertise to the forefront, enhancing our branding and ensuring a cohesive visual identity across our site. With her keen eye for design, she has played a pivotal role in unifying our brand, making it more recognisable and engaging for our community.
Donna is your first point of contact for any inquiries related to the hiring of the Padworth Activity Centre, Sports Centre facilities, meeting rooms, or our café for private functions. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a family gathering, children’s party or a community meeting, she is here to assist with your booking.
In addition to her role in managing the bookings, Donna also oversees our website and Facebook pages, ensuring that our online presence is vibrant and up-to-date. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Donna.
To contact any of our staff, call us on 0118 957 5746, or contact us via contact form by clicking below:
Get In Touch
Contact Us
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YMCA Reading
34 Parkside Road,
Reading,
RG30 2DD - Telephone: 0118 957 5746
- Open 24hrs a day 365 days a year.
