The youth charity YMCA Together has changed its name to You Matter in a move designed to provide greater freedom and remain flexible in the services it provides.
YMCA Together, which was formed in 1846 as City of Liverpool YMCA, supports communities in the city facing homelessness, addiction, mental-health challenges and domestic abuse.
The charity, which provides more than 800 supported accommodation spaces in Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley, changed its name to You Matter last week.
Ellie McNeil, chief executive of You Matter, said the charity, which was founded as one of the first YMCAs in England, had “continued to evolve as the challenges facing [its] communities have changed”, while the national YMCA movement had “increasingly focused on supporting young people”.
McNeil said: “You Matter represents more than a new name. It gives us greater freedom to be creative, flexible and responsive to meeting local need, both now and into the future.
“People who come to us are often dealing with several challenges at once. Lives rarely fit neatly into one category, and our work has developed to reflect that.
“The name You Matter captures something that has always been central to how we work.
“We’ve always believed in people, not problems, and that every person deserves dignity, stability and the opportunity to rebuild their life.”
You Matter said its partnerships with local authorities, health services and community organisations across Liverpool would not be affected by its name change.
“Across the country, we’re seeing increasing pressure around housing, mental health and addiction, and many people are navigating several challenges at the same time,” McNeil said.
“What we’ve learned over many years is that stability comes from safe homes, trusted relationships and support that stays with people long enough for change to happen.
“That understanding will continue to guide our work in the years ahead.”
You Matter has been contacted for details on its rebrand’s cost and partnerships with agencies.