Impact

Our impact

Connecting people with others and adventures away from home involving nature, heritage and physical activity builds key skills and attributes that contribute towards improved wellbeing.

Through our places, programmes and activities, we create opportunities for everybody to make these connections. Welcoming solo travellers, families, groups and schools to our amazing properties in exceptional locations, we deliver memorable, meaningful experiences that have a measurable impact on people’s confidence, connection and sense of belonging.

Wellbeing outcomes

Confidence, connection and belonging are the three elements of wellbeing that we enhance through our work.

Confidence

From route maps and social walks tailored made for different abilities, to that final pep talk before a pupil takes the leap of faith on our high ropes course, YHA specialises in building confidence in people of all ages. We turn trepidation into “I want to do that again!” and support people to push themselves to new successes and self-led adventures.

Connection

Be it a hostel manager recommending local hidden gems over breakfast, or the enthusiasm and knowledge of an activity leader helping a child abseil a rock face, we’re passionate about helping people connect with the world around them.

Belonging

With social spaces, practical facilities and grounds to relax in, YHA places are built for people to feel at home. We pride ourselves on active inclusion and promote social interaction to help everyone feel they belong at YHA. You don’t have to be a member to stay, but membership brings further benefits to the 123,000+ people who’ve joined and are an important part of YHA.

Annual report 2023/24

YHA’s annual report for 2023/24 reviews the income and impact achieved in the financial year ending 29th February 2024.

In the report you’ll find:

  • news of how we’ve achieved year one of our recovery plan — which is based on growth, savings and network changes
  • inspiring stories of impact and information on the innovative programmes and activities through which we’re connecting people to each other, the outdoors, nature and heritage
  • our financial statements for the year

Download your copy (pdf, 2.3mb)

Reports from previous years

Annual report 2022/23

This report takes you through YHA’s continued return to recovery in the context of significant external challenges. With the reopening of hostel spaces following COVID lockdown closures, the charity faced a perfect storm of economic shocks and the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis.  

Download report (pdf, 4.0MB)

Annual report 2021/22

The report for 2021/22 describes how we set out on the road to recovery in the wake of the pandemic. In the report you’ll read about the projects that delivered impact in arguably the most challenging year in the charity’s history. 

Download report (pdf, 3.3MB)

COVID stories

Following the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent travel restrictions, we found new ways to make a difference and assist in the national effort. YHA’s journey from March 2020 to February 2021 is told from our people’s perspective in COVID stories.

Download COVID stories (pdf, 4.7MB)

Impact review 2019/20

In 2019/20 more than 1 million people accessed the benefits of travel and adventure through YHA. Our review for that period shows what our charity achieved in its best ever year for income and impact, while celebrating its 90th anniversary.

Download report (pdf, 2.4MB)

Real stories

Our publications contain a wealth of impact evidence and so many inspiring personal stories. We’ve brought a number of these to life with our videos. Take a look at the selection below or visit YHATV on YouTube to find our full video library.

Young carers

Young carers look after someone at home who is unable to manage due to illness or disability. Watch as a group of young carers experience an amazing residential as part of our YHA Breaks Programme. They were able to try exciting activities, make new friends and enjoy some much-needed downtime at YHA Buttermere.

Generation Green

In 2021/22, as part of the Access Unlimited coalition, YHA delivered the 16-month Generation Green project. Hear from the people involved in this ground-breaking initiative — including thousands of young people who’ve been connected to nature by opportunities delivered across England. 

Beacon View Primary Academy

In July 2024, pupils from Beacon View Primary Academy enjoyed a fully-funded school residential at YHA Truleigh Hill thanks to our No child left behind appeal. This short film shares some of the highlights of their stay, with reflections from teachers, pupils and funders. 

Festival of Walking 2024

A record-breaking number of people step out with YHA for the Festival of Walking. A record number of people either joined a social walk, downloaded a map or used our discount, and the feedback we have received is fantastic.

Beech Hill Community Primary School

We caught up with Beech Hill Community Primary School as they tried new activities, made unforgettable memories, and enjoyed being outdoors on their school trip at YHA Chester Trafford Hall.

Support YHA

Thanks to our supporters, our targeted programmes are reaching those with the fewest opportunities and the most to gain from travel and adventure. Can you help us do more?

Support YHA