The Penzance Branch of YMCA Cornwall was founded as an Association in 1893 by a group of Christian men and youths of the town. It was first sited in a house in Morrab Place, later, with the development of local work, larger premises were necessary and in 1897 the Association moved to Causewayhead, then in 1923 to Market Jew Street and in 1961 moved to its present site at 'The Orchard'. Our premises are a cheerful headquarters for activities seeking to cover all sides of living - Spirit, Mind and Body - and members are encouraged to take part in all that happens here. The YMCA is Interdenominational and seeks to bridge all barriers of Race, Colour and Politics. On 1st April 1999 YMCA Cornwall was born as a company limited by guarantee. The work of YMCA Cornwall was and is based in Penzance YMCA Alverton Road, Penzance. We invite you to join and come right in to make the contribution only you can make.

Associate Membership -
All the facilities are open to you, at the same time you join a World Wide Movement.

Full Membership -
It is hoped every Associate Member will, in time, consider the challenge of Full Membership. This implies a definite and personal Christian commitment. Full Members are personally responsible for promoting the objects of the YMCA, keeping up its Christian purpose and trying to make that purpose effective. From their ranks the Governing Committees are elected.

Full details from the Chief Executive.

MISSION STATEMENT OF YMCA CORNWALL

YMCA Cornwall is part of an International Christian Movement which recognises the equal value of all people. It seeks to serve the communities in Cornwall with an emphasis on the young, by providing them with a stimulating and supportive environment, enabling them to enrich their lives and the lives of others.

THE AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE YMCA

The YMCA is a Christian Movement:

At its centre are Christians who, regarding Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, desire to share their faith with others and make Him known, believed, trusted, loved, served and exemplified in all human relationships.
It welcomes into its fellowship persons of other religious faiths and of none.

Accordingly the YMCA stands for:

A worldwide fellowship based on the equal value of all persons.
Respect and freedom for all, tolerance and understanding between people of different opinions.

Active concern for the needs of the community.
United effort by Christians of different traditions.

The YMCA aims to:

Provide a welcome to members for themselves, in a meeting place which is theirs to share, where friendships can be made and counsel sought.
Develop activities which stimulate and challenge its members in an environment that enables them to take responsibility and find a sense of achievement.
Involve all members in care and work for others.
Create opportunities for exchanging views, so that its members can improve their understanding of the world, of themselves and of one another.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

YMCA Cornwall is an equal opportunity employer. We recognise the need for and support wholeheartedly a policy of equal opportunity in all areas of our work and responsibilities.

We will not unlawfully, unfairly or unreasonably discriminate or treat any individual less favourably on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, disability, colour, age, sexual orientation, nationality or ethnic national origin.

It is our policy and practice to ensure that entry to employment and promotion or change of post is determined by personal merit and ability relevant to the needs of YMCA Cornwall.

As the YMCA is committed to further the work of Christ in the world, staff in posts which are central to the fulfilment of this work are required to demonstrate a clear commitment to the Christian faith.

Genuine equality of opportunity requires commitment to the policy from all concerned. Recruitment, selection and other personnel procedures are regularly reviewed. A system is in place to record the ethnic origin and number of male and female staff as a means of monitoring the effectiveness of the Equal Opportunity Policy.

It is the responsibility of every individual to eliminate discrimination and to ensure the practical application of our Equal Opportunities Policy.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against it is your responsibility to report the matter to your immediate superior or to the most appropriate person in authority. Any allegation of discrimination is treated seriously. Such behavior is considered a disciplinary offence and all reasonable practicable steps will be taken to prevent the behavior continuing.