A Week That Changed My Perspective

Attending the YMCA World Council in Toronto was one of those experiences that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.

Representing YMCA Heart of England alongside more than 1,300 delegates from over 100 countries was both humbling and inspiring. It’s easy to become focused on the challenges and opportunities in our own communities, but spending a week with people from every corner of the YMCA movement reminded me just how connected we all are.

What struck me most wasn’t just the scale of the event – although that was impressive – it was the conversations. Whether I was chatting with someone from South America, Europe, Africa or Asia, we were all talking about many of the same things: supporting young people, creating stronger communities, finding new ways to respond to changing needs, and making sure everyone’s voice is heard.

The theme of this year’s World Council was Transform, and that felt like more than just a slogan. Throughout the week there was a real sense that the YMCA is evolving while staying true to what has always made it special. We heard inspiring stories of communities overcoming challenges, young people leading change, and YMCAs finding creative ways to tackle everything from mental wellbeing to climate action.

One of the things I’ll remember most is the optimism. It would have been easy to focus on the difficulties facing our communities around the world, but instead there was a genuine belief that by learning from one another and working together, we can make a lasting difference.

Of course, it wasn’t all conference rooms and presentations. Toronto was a fantastic host city, and spending time exploring it with new friends from across the globe was just as valuable as the formal sessions. Some of the best ideas and strongest connections came from the conversations between events rather than those on the stage.

I came home with plenty of ideas, new contacts and, perhaps most importantly, a renewed sense of why the YMCA matters. Seeing the impact our movement has across the world reminded me that while our work starts in our local communities, we’re part of something much bigger.

I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to represent YMCA Heart of England at World Council 2026. It was a week of learning and inspiration, and I’m excited to see how some of the ideas and connections made in Toronto can help shape our work here at home.