Exeter YMCA receives High Sheriff Award

Exeter YMCA is proud to receive the High Sheriff Award for Services to the Community

John Lee, the High Sheriff for Devon, first visited Exeter YMCA earlier this year. He had a tour of their projects, met with many of the clients to hear how Exeter YMCA had helped transform their lives and heard presentations on their work in prisons, through Job Clubs and in schools.

John Lee said: "I was clearly very impressed with what I saw and also with the very dedicated team [at Exeter YMCA]."

Following his visit, John agreed to take part in Sleep Easy, Exeter YMCA's annual sponsored sleep out event which aims to raise money and awareness of the plight of homeless young people in Devon. John raised over £1,000 for Exeter YMCA through Sleep Easy.

The experience so impacted John, that following the event he decided to award Exeter YMCA the High Sheriff Award for Services to the Community.

John continues: "Each year the High Sheriff can make awards to organisations or individuals throughout the county who are making an outstanding contribution to their community... I was so impressed with Exeter YMCA, and in particular the work they did through Sleep Easy to raise the profile of the young homeless that I would like to make a High Sheriff Award to them."

Peter Stephenson, CEO, was delighted to receive the award saying it was a huge endorsement of the work Exeter YMCA are doing among the most disadvantaged communities in Devon and a huge encouragement to the staff team.

Peter added: "We would just like to thank John Lee for the amazing support he has shown Exeter YMCA this year and for making this award to us."