YMCA Plymouth has expanded its role in the city by hosting new free support and advice services as part of Plymouth’s network of Family and Wellbeing Hubs, widening the range of help available to local families and individuals.
Alongside its existing facilities, including a gym, indoor cycle studio, soft play, youth clubs and its post-16 vocational Discovery College, the centre now offers regular drop-in advice sessions delivered by Citizens Advice, Livewell South West and Barnardo’s. YMCA staff also run their own Family Welcome Hub and Welcome Space sessions, providing informal access to guidance and support.
The expanded provision includes specialist activities such as SEND sessions for children, mental health talking groups, walking clubs and cardiac rehabilitation. Services are aimed at supporting physical health, wellbeing and family life.
How the YMCA’s role in Plymouth is changing
YMCA Plymouth is now a major Family and Wellbeing Hub, offering free advice, health and support services for families and individuals in one accessible location.
Support goes beyond leisure and fitness, with drop-in advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice, Livewell South West and Barnardo’s, alongside SEND sessions, mental health groups and wellbeing activities.
The centre acts as a gateway to wider help across the city, with staff available throughout the day to explain what support is available at the YMCA and to signpost services offered elsewhere in Plymouth.
The Family and Wellbeing Hub initiatives are supported by Plymouth City Council, and the YMCA site has become one of the larger hubs operating across the city. Staff are available throughout the day and into the evening to help people understand what support is available at the centre and to signpost services offered elsewhere within the wider hub network.
Formerly known as the Kitto Centre, the building has been operated by YMCA since 1974 and has undergone significant changes in recent years. A refurbishment programme began in 2021 with the redevelopment of the gym and cycle studio. This was followed by the refurbishment of Discovery College classrooms in 2024. Further upgrades in 2025 included a new fitness class studio and modernisation of the main sports hall.
YMCA Plymouth says the expansion of advice and support services builds on its long-standing work in education, health, wellbeing, youth and family support, with an emphasis on what is delivered inside the building rather than the facilities themselves.
If you’re interested to learn more about what may be on offer at YMCA to support you and your family, or to learn about the wider Family and Wellbeing Hub networks, visit www.ymcaplymouth.org.uk/support or call YMCA on 01752 201918 to learn more.
