We were honoured to welcome Robert Beckley, the High Sheriff of Somerset, along with his wife Sue, for a special visit to our centre on 30th January 2025. The visit aimed to provide an overview of our activities and specifically highlight the work of our Young Carers Group.
During his visit, the High Sheriff engaged with various groups, including our kickboxing class (run by Somerset Kickboxing) and the Young Carers. He also enjoyed a lively game of table football with the young people, showcasing his enthusiasm and support for our initiatives.
Robert Beckley expressed his admiration for the logistics and dedication involved in running our programmes, and passed on his thanks from King Charles for our work with Young Carers.
“They do superb work with young people. I was very impressed and there is no doubt that their programmes give young people support and prevent wider problems”
The work of the High Sheriff is to engage with the many different organisations who contribute to the wellbeing of the residents of Somerset. Clare Langley, CEO of YMCA Taunton, shared her thoughts on the visit:
“We were delighted to have the opportunity to show the High Sheriff around our centre. It was a pleasure to demonstrate the impact of our work and the vibrant community we support.”
The Young Carers Group operates weekly, alternating between a junior session (ages 7-12) and a senior session (ages 13-18), offering a range of activities. Young carers are individuals aged 7 to 18 years who take on significant caring responsibilities for a family member who has a physical or mental illness, disability, or substance misuse issue. These responsibilities can often impact their social lives, education, and overall well-being.
Sarah Milton, Early Years & Young People Manager, emphasised the importance of their programmes:
“The work we do with young people is incredibly valuable. It provides them with a safe space to grow, learn, and develop essential life skills. Seeing the positive impact on their lives is truly rewarding.”
At YMCA Taunton, we are more than just a facility; we are a hub for community engagement, personal development, and support. We host community events, offer help and advice, provide space for hire, and offer business and sporting facilities, youth clubs, and preschool programmes.
