Foreword – Pip Wilson
I worked for the YWCA before I ever worked with the YMCA.
My first ever role was as a residential Centre leader of a YWCA Community Centre in St
Helens, Lancashire in the UK.
I had moved from working with young offenders again in residence.
Mrs Beautiful was their House Mother.
Me the Housefather - and I became a father as our first child, Joy, was born there.
Five years later I was at my first YMCA.
in St Helens YMCA appointed as Residential and Programme Director - also a live in job.
Then the Divine little finger waved at me and we all moved to East London
Leading a Youth Project working with East End gangs.
Living on the job and creating communication books and tools as I strived to make contact
and work developmentally with hard to reach young humans.
So games were created, interactive tools - all to connect with young people who could not or
would not read.
After ten years we all moved on to live in Romford YMCA on the east side of Greater London.
I was initially Director there responsible for 150 Residents.
Mainly all young people with a range of needs.
After two years I was appointed CEO of this great thriving action packed YMCA 172 Re 6