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About Us
We believe in fairness and opportunity.
There are essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life:
A safe home, acceptance, guidance, friendship, physical and mental health, academic support, employment 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.
At YMCA Cornwall, we provide these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.
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YMCA Cornwall's vision is transforming our community so that all young people can belong, contribute and thrive.
Our Values
We never stop looking for ways to transform lives for the better.
We respect, support, and protect without fail. Everyone is included, and everyone belongs.
We build — and rebuild — people’s confidence in their own strength, and foster conviction in everyone’s potential.
We stand up for what’s right, advocate when needed, and encourage people to find the power of their own voice.
We are committed to the wellbeing of others in mind, body, and spirit, and to fair and equitable opportunities for all.
Meet the team
Find out more about the team at YMCA Cornwall.
Admin Team
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Admin Team
Our Admin Team is the hub of YMCA Cornwall. They keeping everything running smoothly and make sure residents, staff, and visitors get the support they need.
The team covers a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Reception – welcoming visitors, answering calls, and being the first point of contact for anyone.
- Room Bookings – managing our meeting spaces and studio bookings.
- Classes & Activities – coordinating timetables and helping with enquiries.
- Enquiries & Referrals – handling general enquiries and processing referrals for supported housing and housing advice appointments.
- Coffee shop– the day-to-day running of our coffee shop, helping create a warm and social space for residents and guests.
Maintenance Team
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Maintenance Team
Our Maintenance Team is essential to the running of YMCA Cornwall, working every day to keep our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming.
Led by our Maintenance Manager Jack, the team handles everything from urgent repairs and routine checks to larger development projects.
They’re responsible for rapidly turning around flats between residents, fixing any issues, redecorating, and making sure each space is ready for the next resident to move in and feel at home.
Our skilled in-house team, includes:
- Paul, our Electrician
- Jack, our Plumber and Maintenance Manager
- Phil, our Carpenter
They’re also taking on a major task: building four new flats as part of our recent fundraising campaign.
Their skills and hard work are helping us expand our supported accommodation to offer more young people a safe place to live.
Gregg Davies
Financial Controller
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Gregg Davies
Financial Controller
Gregg oversees our finances here at YMCA Cornwall. He has a range of experience across large corporates, small start-ups, and charities, covering sectors such as software, energy, retail services, and the charity sector.
He’s committed to ensuring we can sustainably support young people and our wider community. And he finds it a privilege to work for an organisation that makes such a positive difference.
In his spare time, he enjoys surfing and camping, and helps out at the local surf lifesaving club’s junior sessions. He loves making the most of Cornwall’s beautiful coastline and being part of the local community.
Louise Mallas
HR and Corporate Governance Lead
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Louise Mallas
HR and Corporate Governance Lead
Louise has worked at YMCA Cornwall for 15 years, serving as our HR and Governance Lead. She plays a key role in shaping and delivering strategy across personnel, training, health and safety, staff wellbeing, and governance. And helps to ensure the organisation runs smoothly and effectively.
She is part of the Senior Management team, supporting staff at work and within the local community.
Louise also enjoys travelling and is a passionate Formula One fan, always keeping up with the latest races.
Christine Stuart
Supported Housing Manager
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Christine Stuart
Supported Housing Manager
Christine is our Supported Housing Manager at YMCA Cornwall. She leads the housing team in delivering safe, supported accommodation for young people across Cornwall.
She has experience in housing management and youth support, and oversees applications, referrals, resident’s welfare, and the day-to-day operations of the Supported Housing service.
Helen Wilson-Prowse
Head of Operations
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Helen Wilson-Prowse
Head of Operations
As Head of Operations Helen manages the day-to-day operations of the YMCA Cornwall site and its activities. The primary aim of her role is to ensure all facilities and services are functioning effectively, efficiently and safely.
She is part of the Senior Management Team, manages a large staff team, and leads on development projects for YMCA Cornwall.
Outside of work she loves exploring Cornwall and further afield, and walking with her trusty four-legged friend.
Supported Housing Team
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Supported Housing Team
The Supported Housing team at YMCA Cornwall is dedicated to helping our young residents rebuild their lives. The team is made up of:
- Supported Housing Officers
- A Supported Housing Manager
- An Assistant Supported Housing Manager
Together, they provide day-to-day support, guidance, and help to residents living in our supported accommodation. They help individuals develop independent living skills, access education and employment opportunities, and connect with specialist services when needed.
Our team works closely with each resident to create a personalised support plan, helping them set goals and take positive steps toward independence.
Whether someone is overcoming homelessness, escaping a difficult situation, or rebuilding after a crisis, our staff are here to listen, support, and empower them.
Nicola Helmsley – Chair
Chair
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Nicola Helmsley – Chair
Chair
Nicola has 25 years of experience in senior management, spanning the Education and Health & Social Care sectors.
She is a keen supporter of charities and currently sits on the board of another local charity that supports individuals with their mental health through creative activities and therapy. Nicola has also been a lead volunteer with Cancer Research UK for their Young Art Cornwall project.
She is very proud to be a member of the Board of Trustees for YMCA Cornwall and is excited to be part of the team working to further improve and develop the much-needed services that YMCA Cornwall provides to the local community.
Derek Tilby – Trustee
Trustee
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Derek Tilby – Trustee
Trustee
Derek has been a dedicated Trustee of YMCA Cornwall for over 15 years, bringing a wealth of experience from both the food production and waste management industries. He spent 20 years running food factories, followed by 15 years managing contracts in the waste sector. Derek also holds a Class 1 HGV.
A long-time resident of St Erth, where he has lived for 37 years, Derek is actively involved in the local community and church. His practical knowledge, commitment to service, and local roots make him a valued member of the Board of Trustees.
Hudson Smith – Trustee
Trustee
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Hudson Smith – Trustee
Trustee
Hudson has been a dedicated Trustee of YMCA Cornwall for over ten years, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service.
Before retiring, Hudson owned and ran successful menswear and model shops for 43 years, building strong ties with local customers and businesses. He also served as a district councillor for Ludgvan ward on Penwith District Council for nearly a decade, until the council’s reorganisation.
In addition to his work with YMCA Cornwall, Hudson has long been involved in charitable organisations including Round Table and Rotary, contributing to a wide range of local initiatives and causes.
Penny Marns – Trustee
Trustee
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Penny Marns – Trustee
Trustee
Penny has been a Trustee for many years at YMCA Cornwall. She is interested in young people, education and homelessness, having been directly involved in a homeless project in Milton Keynes in the 1980s, and has lived and worked in a variety of community settings: urban, inner city and rural.
Previously employed as a teacher, she has experience in secondary and primary schools and ‘alternative provision’ for excluded teenagers and young people with physical and mental health challenges.
She lives near Falmouth, but until recently enjoyed being part of the church and community around Mount’s Bay for over 16 years.
In her spare time she likes making music and walking, and helps sustain the pilgrimage route – The Cornish Celtic Way.
Zena Muth – Vice Chair
Trustee
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Zena Muth – Vice Chair
Trustee
Zena is a retired Senior Civil Servant with extensive strategic, organisational, leadership, and oversight experience gained across both Government and the Third Sector. Throughout her career, she worked to promote the needs of underprivileged individuals, including those facing physical and mental health challenges or financial hardship.
During her career, she undertook a significant secondment to a major national charity, collaborating closely with Trustees to develop and implement a new strategic direction. This initiative strengthened the charity’s connection with its clients and enabled the expansion of its services.
Since returning to Cornwall, Zena has continued to support the local community through voluntary work as a Rotarian and as a Trustee of the Rotary Shop of Penzance, working directly with local people, organisations, and charities.
As Vice Chair of YMCA Cornwall, Zena brings a wealth of experience from both Central Government and the Third Sector, offering a comprehensive skill set that supports the vision and work of YMCA Cornwall.
Amanda Chambers – Trustee
Trustee
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Amanda Chambers – Trustee
Trustee
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YMCA Cornwall through the years
1844
YMCA was founded by Sir George Williams – a worker in the drapery trade in London. Concerned about the welfare of his fellow workers, he started a prayer and bible study group. This soon grew and attracted men from across London.
1844-1849
YMCA begins to address other concerns of young men working in the cities. Public lectures and education classes are developed. Reading rooms and refreshment areas help young men to adjust to urban life.
1845
YMCA spreads outside London and branches are set up in Manchester and Leeds.
1877
YMCA Cornwall (then Penzance YMCA) was founded in Morrab Library.
1900
YMCA Cornwall moved to Market Jew Street, sharing space with local businesses.
1951
Purchased The Orchard in Penzance for £6,500 — later expanded for youth housing and community events.
1900
Built Appletree House and Cherrytree House, adding 22 self-contained flats.
2010s
Opened a nursery in Mullion to support rural families.
2015-2021
Converted a former sports hall and backpackers’ lodge into 20 new flats at Morris House.
2021-2025
Replaced the roof of Morris house, thanks to a successful fundraising campaign.
New campaign launched to transform an underused studio into four more self contained flats for young people at risk.
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