At YMCA Robin Hood, our mission is clear: to support young people facing homelessness and help them find safe, stable accommodation and the tools they need to thrive. Every night, we provide a safe space for hundreds of vulnerable individuals across Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands. But we can’t do it alone.
Tackling homelessness requires a collective effort. From individuals, community groups, and local businesses. Whether it’s by sponsoring a room, donating, volunteering your time, or developing a corporate partnership, there are many meaningful ways you can stand with us to make a real and lasting difference.
This blog explores how you can get involved and join forces with us to create a future where everyone has a place to call home.
Ways You Can Help
1. Sponsor a Room
One of the most direct ways to support our work is by sponsoring a room in one of our supported housing facilities. For a monthly or annual contribution, individuals or businesses can help cover the cost of a young person’s accommodation and wrap-around support services.
When you sponsor a room, you’re not just offering shelter – you’re giving someone a chance to rebuild their life. Your support helps fund essentials like:
- Emergency accommodation.
- Mental health and wellbeing support.
- Life skills training (cooking, budgeting, job preparation).
- Access to education and employment opportunities.
Sponsors receive regular updates about the impact of their contributions and, if desired, can visit the project to see their support in action.
2. Make a Financial Donation
Financial donations, whether one-off or recurring, are crucial to keeping our services running. Your donations directly support:
- Emergency winter accommodation
- 24/7 on-site staff for vulnerable residents
- Specialist interventions such as mental health support and counselling
- Essential supplies like bedding, hygiene kits and food parcels
Donations can be made easily through our online giving portal or by setting up a standing order. Gift Aid options allow your contribution to go even further.
3. Volunteer
Volunteers are at the heart of what we do. From front-line support roles to behind-the-scenes help, there are a range of volunteering opportunities to suit different skills, interests, and time commitments.
Some of our most popular roles include:
- Mentors and befriending volunteers, offering one-to-one emotional support
- Activity facilitators, leading workshops on cooking, art, or CV writing
- Night shelter assistants, providing evening support at emergency accommodations
- Fundraising and events volunteers, helping us organise community campaigns
Volunteer Training and Support
All YMCA Robin Hood volunteers receive training, including safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation techniques. Volunteers are also matched with roles based on their strengths and are supported by a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator who ensures they feel confident, valued and equipped for the work.
4. Partner as a Business
For local businesses, partnering with YMCA Robin Hood offers a powerful way to make a difference while engaging staff and demonstrating social responsibility. We work closely with business partners to develop bespoke support packages that reflect their values and resources.
Ways your business can get involved:
- Room sponsorship or corporate donations
- Staff volunteering days
- Fundraising events (host a charity bake sale, quiz night, or dress-down day)
- Pro-bono professional services (marketing, legal, finance, IT support)
In return, we provide full impact reports, marketing and PR opportunities, and tailored employee engagement sessions. Our partnerships are mutually beneficial and community focused.
YMCA Robin Hood believes in a future where no young person is left without a place to call home. Tackling homelessness isn’t just the job of charities, it’s a shared responsibility, and together we are stronger.
Whether you’re able to sponsor a room, make a one-off donation, volunteer your time, or partner as a business, your contribution will make a genuine difference in someone’s life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Here’s how you can get involved today:
Sponsor a room or set up a donation: www.ymcarobinhood.org/sponsor
Apply to volunteer: www.ymcarobinhood.org/volunteer
Explore corporate partnerships: www.ymcarobinhood.org/partner
Or all us directly on 0115 837 1950
Email us at info@ymcarobinhood.org