YMCA Suffolk

The YMCA in Ipswich opened in 1873 in Westgate Street and moved various times. George Williams opened new premises in Tavern Street for us in 1892 and we eventually settled in Wellington Street in 1983.

We have had a presence in Bury St Edmunds since 1905, when a house was opened in Churchgate Street providing accommodation and socialising for young gentlemen. We opened our current hostel for young people on Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, in 1989.

In 2012 Ipswich YMCA and St Edmund & Waveney YMCA merged to become YMCA Suffolk.

The International YMCA Movement was founded in 1844 by George Williams. The YMCA came about because he, an active Christian at 24 years of age, was concerned about the minds, bodies and spirits of young professional men. Today we work with all young people, not just young men, and our Christian roots and ethos give us the confidence to hope for change and assurance that it is possible. We support & respect young people of all faiths and those of none.

The Movement now operates in over 160 countries with over 30 million members world-wide.