East Staffordshire mayor marks national inclusion week with YMCA Burton visit

YMCA Burton recently welcomed mayor of East Staffordshire Cllr Monica Holton on a special visit to both its Burton Charity Shop and its Reconnect site, offering an opportunity to see first-hand YMCA Burton's work supporting local people across the community.

The visit held particular significance, as the mayor has a long-standing connection with YMCA Burton, having worked for the charity for 12 years, beginning 26 years ago.

Throughout the visit, the mayor met staff, volunteers and service users, learning more about the wide range of support available through YMCA Burton's projects.

The mayor witnessed how much YMCA Burton has grown since her time employed. She saw how YMCA Burton's shops not only provide affordable goods for local people but also generate vital income to help fund YMCA Burton's vital services.

She also met volunteers and staff who help make the shop a welcoming and valuable resource for the community.

The mayor spent time at the charity’s Reconnect site, speaking with staff and volunteers and met people whose lives have been positively affected through the housing support available.

Reconnect is the charity's main housing site which provides services supporting individuals and families through challenging times.

Paul Laffey, chief executive officer of YMCA Burton, said: “It was a great delight to welcome the mayor, Counsellor Monica Holton to YMCA Burton.

“It was a privilege to introduce her to staff and volunteers and Monica reminisced about her time at YMCA Burton from 26 years ago when she joined us at that time as a front-line housing support worker.

“Monica went on to work at YMCA Burton for 12 years, having risen to the role of housing manager.

“She met many residents, staff and volunteers and thoroughly enjoyed her visit. It was great to showcase our work directly with her. We used the opportunity to thank her for choosing YMCA Burton as one of her four chosen charities.”

The mayor spoke fondly about returning to YMCA Burton and seeing how the charity continues to make a difference in local people's lives.

Mayor Cllr Monica Holton said: “Visiting YMCA Burton felt like coming home. Having joined the organisation 26 years ago, where I spent 12 years with the housing team, it was wonderful to return and see the life-changing support it continues to provide.

“The sense of purpose, opportunity and belonging that YMCA Burton creates is making a real difference to people's lives, with many continuing their journey with the organisation for years in different capacities. Seeing familiar faces and hearing the stories of people whose lives have been shaped by the charity was a powerful reminder of why this organisation holds such a special place in my heart."

She also met with young people, some of whom, as part of their journey with YMCA Burton, give back to the charity as volunteers.

Kieran Knight, volunteer and former resident, said: “It was great to speak with the Mayor. It was a really nice opportunity and a big thing for me. I thank her for taking the time to speak to me. She was brilliant at listening and giving me pointers and encouragement.”

Pictured from left to right: Kieran Knight and mayor of East Staffordshire Cllr Monica Holton