The charitable object is the keystone statement and all else follows naturally from this. It is the foundation from which we have defined the mission, vision and values. These are the high level expressions of the way YHA intends to address and fulfil the charitable object over the next five years.
The mission, vision and values allows the Board, volunteers, staff and stakeholders to understand what we want to achieve and, through the strategic themes, how we are going to achieve it. The final piece of the values landscape is to describe our activities and their impact on customers and in particular young people. In doing this we are trying to answer the question – what is our unique contribution to young people? We have called this the essence of YHA.
The charitable object of YHA is: -
“To help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, and appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities, particularly by providing youth hostels or other accommodation for them in their travels, and thus to promote their health recreation and education.”
This is what YHA is about and everything else – the mission and vision – follows from it.
Our Mission
To inspire all, especially young people, to broaden their horizons, gaining knowledge and independence through new experiences of adventure and discovery.
Our Vision
YHA is aiming to reach out and enhance the lives of all young people.
YHA provides more than just accommodation; we aim to create safe, healthy, fun and active experiences, for mainly young people, leading to:
Growth in skills, confidence, self reliance and well being
Engagement with diverse people and communities
Exploration of wider horizons of culture and location
Through YHA, people are able to explore new places, to understand different cultures: an experience markedly different from others and one which encourages and enhances personal development.