YMCA South Midlands plans to provide 90 more affordable homes for employed young people in Milton Keynes as part of a new five-year strategy for the charity.

The proposal is one of six priorities set out in Here for Good, which will shape YMCA South Midlands’ work across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire over the next five years.

The strategy was launched at Christ the Cornerstone Church in Milton Keynes on September 18, attended by 130 supporters, business representatives, partners and members of the community.

Alongside increasing the supply of affordable homes for young people who are working, the charity plans to expand its education provision and introduce accommodation for 16- and 17-year-olds.

It also wants to replicate the campus model it operates in Central Milton Keynes by developing a new YMCA campus in Northampton. The charity says the proposed Northampton facility could support up to 200 young people each year.

Strengthening the organisation’s finances and giving young people a greater voice in decisions affecting them complete the six priorities within the strategy.

The plans build on YMCA South Midlands’ existing work providing accommodation and support for young people, with its Central Milton Keynes campus forming the model for the proposed expansion into Northampton.

Chief executive Simon Green said: “Here for Good is about building on everything we have learned from working alongside young people and looking confidently towards what comes next.

“Our ambitions are significant, but they are rooted in what young people tell us they need: safe and affordable homes, access to education and employment, the right support and the opportunity to have their voices heard.

“We cannot achieve this alone, and we look forward to working with businesses, partners, supporters and communities across the South Midlands to create more opportunities for young people.”

Chair Jenny Walker and trustee and former YMCA resident Liz Harvey also spoke at the launch.

YMCA South Midlands used the event to unveil a new video about its work with young people and its plans for the next five years.