Strategy 2006

YHA is ready to forge ahead with major changes to revitalise its role as a leading organisation for young people.

Following a 15 month review, the charity’s Board of Trustees agreed a new strategy which is published today. The strategy, to take the organisation forward over the next ten years, will unleash a major programme of change.

By the end of 10 years the the charity expects to be reaching more people, especially disadvantaged young people, and to be well known for the quality of experience and activities it provides for young people.
YHA will focus on improving successful hostels, while creating and relocating facilities in top rural and urban target locations, where demand for accommodation among young people is high.

YHA Chairman Chris Boulton said: “We want to continue to help everyone, but especially young people, deepen their experience and understanding of, and concern for, of the natural and cultural values of the countryside, towns and cities. The new strategy will create a YHA meeting the needs of the 21st century, and clearly focussed on delivering our charitable object in a modern and efficient way.”

YHA Chief Executive Roger Clarke added: “We intend to run a network of successful and popular hostels in places where young people want to be and which enable us to deliver our charitable objectives.”

YHA has already taken steps towards creating its new network with the announcement of the closure of 32 hostels in January along with investment in popular locations such as Keswick in Cumbria and Boscastle and Penzance in Cornwall.

A major relocation scheme is underway at Whitby, where accommodation is being relocated to an historic building next to the Abbey in the North Yorkshire town and a new hostel in the National Forest was recently announced.

YHA is working with partners to open new properties like the recently announced accommodation at Aberglaslyn in Snowdonia - run in partnership with Leicestershire County Council - and at YMCA’s Lakeside complex on Windermere in Cumbria.

The Green Shoots Project began last year with support from DEFRA to promote an understanding by young people of their ecological footprint, and through active learning reduce their environmental impact through more sustainable lifestyles.

YHA is running a second year of Do It 4 Real, our programme of summer activity camps for 11 - 17 year olds, with the generous support of the Big Lottery Fund.

To download the 2006 startegy please click here.

YHA welcomes comments and feedback. Click here to send us your comments on the strategy or to request a copy by post.