A regional YMCA merger has brought together two long-established charities in Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire, creating a single organisation intended to operate at greater scale across the South Midlands.
YMCA Milton Keynes and YMCA Northamptonshire have combined to form YMCA South Midlands, uniting their operations, teams and governance under one structure. The move reflects a growing trend among charities to consolidate in response to rising demand and financial pressure, while maintaining frontline services.
The new organisation will continue to deliver housing, wellbeing and community support across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire, with a focus on improving consistency and coordination across the region. By combining resources, the charity expects to streamline delivery and extend its reach to more young people.
Simon Green, chief executive of YMCA South Midlands, said the decision followed years of working closely across both areas. “We’ve been proudly serving Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire for years, but we’ve decided it’s time to stop running as two separate charities and come together as one,” he said, adding that the combined structure would allow the organisation to do more for those who rely on its services.
He said the merger brings together teams, services and communities into a single organisation, enabling broader regional delivery while retaining a local presence. “By joining together, we can achieve even more for the people who rely on us. This merger brings our teams, services and communities into one stronger organisation, enabling us to support more young people and families across the region,” he said.
The organisation said its core mission remains unchanged, with a continued focus on providing safe accommodation, trusted support networks and opportunities for young people to develop and move forward. Operating across a wider geography is expected to improve how services are coordinated, particularly where demand crosses local authority boundaries.
The legal merger was completed on 1 April, marking the formal launch of YMCA South Midlands.
