YMCA Cheltenham strengthens senior team with two key appointments

5 November 2026, Gloucestershire: YMCA Cheltenham has appointed Nick Jermyn as Head of Housing and Barbara Williams as Head of Development and Engagement, strengthening its senior leadership team as demand for its services grows across Gloucestershire. 

Nick will lead the delivery and development of the charity’s housing services. With almost 30 years’ experience in social housing, he will work with local authorities and community partners to strengthen the support available to residents, helping them build confidence, develop life skills and move towards independent living.   

He joins at a time of growing pressure grows on homelessness services across Gloucestershire with 1,394 people currently homeless in the region. Gloucester has the highest number at 650, followed by South Gloucestershire with 447, while Stroud, Forest of Dean, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and the Cotswolds together account for a further 297 people.   

Nick said: “A stable home can be the starting point for so many other things in life, from finding work to building confidence and independence. I’m looking forward to working with the team to make sure our housing services give people the support they need, both now and for the future.”  

Last year YMCA Cheltenham provided 101,470 safe and secure nights of accommodation, supporting 652 people across the county. This included 133 children and young people, and 116 families who might otherwise have faced homelessness. 

Barbara also joins the charity having spent three years as Head of Fundraising for Read for Good. Prior to that, she was Head of Fundraising and Communications at Age UK Gloucestershire for four years.  

An experienced fundraising and communications specialist in the not-for-profit sector, Barbara has a background in fundraising strategy, measuring programme impact and communicating results to wider audiences. In her new role, Barbara will lead on development and engagement, focusing on building partnerships, raising awareness of YMCA Cheltenham’s services and generating income to help fund its critical work supporting the community. 

She added: “I’m really pleased to be joining YMCA Cheltenham. Throughout my career, I’ve been motivated by the difference charities can make to people’s lives, and I’m looking forward to being part of an organisation doing such important work in the local community. From providing safe and secure housing and family support services to promoting physical and mental wellbeing, YMCA Cheltenham supports people at every stage of their journey. I’m excited to get to know the team, build new relationships and help even more people benefit from the charity’s services across Gloucestershire.” 

For more than 170 years, YMCA Cheltenham has been supporting vulnerable people across Gloucestershire, helping individuals and families build strong foundations and thrive within their communities.   

Joseph Main, Chief Executive of YMCA Cheltenham, added: “I am delighted to welcome Barbara and Nick to our Senior Team. These roles are critical to the quality and standard that we aim to deliver and I am certain their skill and experience will make a tremendously positive contribution to our work. I am looking forward to seeing all they will bring to the team and to those we support on a daily basis. We are driven by the positive difference we can make in people’s lives and we intend to support more of those in need right across Gloucestershire. Having the best calibre people in place, such as those in our Senior Leadership team, will ensure we do that.” 

Ends

Editors notes

Notes to Editor  

Click HERE to view YMCA Cheltenham’s virtual newsroom, where you will find:       

• A headshot of Barbara Williams, Head of Development and Engagement 
• A headshot of Nick Jermyn, Head of Housing 
• A copy of this news release  
• The YMCA Cheltenham logo  

For media enquiries, please contact:        

Emily Goold or Verity Blake at HeadOn PR:   

T: 07502 438 842   

E: ymcacheltenham@headonpr.co.uk  

About YMCA Cheltenham 

YMCA Cheltenham supports people and communities across Gloucestershire, with a mission to enable people to develop their full potential in mind, body, and spirit.    

Rooted in Christian values, the charity is committed to creating supportive, inclusive, and energising communities and places where families and individuals of all backgrounds can truly belong, contribute, and thrive.  

Whether it’s offering a safe home, providing family support services, promoting physical and mental wellbeing, and nurturing community spirit, YMCA Cheltenham exists to help individuals build strong foundations for a rewarding life. 

In 2025, the charity provided accommodation for 278 children and young people, housing 149 families who would otherwise have been homeless. 

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