Nottinghamshire YMCA announces rebrand in 150th anniversary year

Nottinghamshire YMCA is changing its name to YMCA Robin Hood Group.

The decision was ratified by the Board of Trustees on 27 October, meaning the charity will now begin the transition to its new brand under the umbrella organisation of YMCA Robin Hood Group, with several regional YMCA branches operating within this new model.

With the charity marking its 150th anniversary year, YMCA has also revealed a new logo and complete visual refresh in unity with the national autonomous YMCA communities.

The young person’s charity says that “Robin Hood” has been chosen in honour of the iconic local character who was motivated by elevating the needs of people from disadvantaged communities. He also unites its locations geographically with a rich folk legend history across both Nottinghamshire and East Riding.

As the group title will be used for operational/strategic purposes only, the organisation has revealed the following location specific names for their local branches: YMCA Greater Nottingham (covering Nottingham, Worksop and Mansfield), YMCA Newark and Sherwood, and YMCA York and East Riding (covering Goole, etc.).

YMCA Robin Hood Group will remain an autonomous organisation.

Having first launched as Nottingham YMCA in 1871, the regional charity has evolved to serve the wider community through supported housing and varied youth services, growing into Nottinghamshire YMCA in 2004.

Craig Berens, group CEO at YMCA Robin Hood Group, said: “This landmark brand refresh marks a milestone moment in our charity’s history as it gives us the chance to reflect on past achievements and look ahead to how we can make the next 150 years even more empowering for young people.

“In addition to boosting wider connectivity and unification with YMCAs across the country, we are energised by how the new youth-centric branding will better speak to the evolving needs of the children and young people our programmes exist to serve.

“The inclusion of ‘Robin Hood’ feels very fitting for helping to amplify our ambitious vision of diversifying our services to elevate disadvantaged social groups and nurture positive environments for them to belong, contribute and thrive.

“We hope you share our excitement as we re-energise our brand identity to reflect and champion these community needs that put youth development at the heart of all we deliver.”