Welcome from Terry Waite CBE

When I co-founded Y Care International over 25 years ago and we set up our first programmes, I did not imagine that we would transform so many young lives.

For a small charity, Y Care International makes a tremendous impact, and when I am inclined to despair at injustice, poverty, hunger, or escalating political and military crises, I make myself think instead of individuals whose lives have been improved through our work.

By working through the global YMCA movement, we can ensure that we work with local communities on long-term, sustainable and genuinely effective development programmes that local people really need. People who donate to us know that their funds will be speedily and effectively used.

In an ideal world, Y Care International’s work would not be needed. But more than ever, it is profoundly necessary. With the continued help of our supporters, added to the strength and determination of our YMCA partners and the people we are helping, we have the ability to transform young people’s lives. Every young person assisted to have a better life is a contribution to achieving a fairer, more just and more humane world.

I believe that if we give young men and young women reason to hope, and that little help and encouragement they need – then we give our troubled world a fresh start.

Terry Waite CBE
President, Y Care International

Read a profile of our President, Terry Waite