YMCA Cheltenham Marks 170 Years with First Ever 170-Minute Danceathon

19 May, Gloucestershire: YMCA Cheltenham has announced its first-ever Danceathon – a 170-minutes of movement to mark 170 years of supporting the local community while raising vital funds for its work across Gloucestershire.  

The local charity, one of the oldest YMCAs in the world, is inviting individuals, families and organisations from across the county to get involved, take on the challenge, and dance to make a difference.  

The landmark community event will take place from 1pm to 3.50pm on Sunday, 14 June at the YMCA Cheltenham Sports Centre, bringing people of all ages together to stay on their feet for nearly three hours in a bid to reach the charity’s fundraising target of £500.  

All proceeds will go directly towards YMCA Cheltenham’s vital services, including housing support for individuals experiencing homelessness, family support programmes, and community health and fitness services. 

Alongside fundraising, the Danceathon will also celebrate the YMCA Cheltenham’s 170th anniversary, recognising the charity’s long-standing commitment to helping people across Gloucestershire.  

Between 2024 and 2025, the charity provided housing for 843 local people, including 149 families and 278 children and young people, delivering nearly 100,000 safe, secure nights of accommodation. During the same period, YMCA Cheltenham welcomed 38,200 visitors to its Sports Centre, reunited 276 children with their families through its Child Contact Centre, and supported 210 families via its Family Space Support Services. 

Rob Charsley, Head of Health and Wellbeing at YMCA Cheltenham, said: “Our Danceathon reflects the power of collective action. Every person taking part and every pound raised will help us to continue delivering essential services that improve health, wellbeing and opportunities across our community, supporting people to reach their full potential in mind, body and spirit.”  

Joseph Main, CEO of YMCA Cheltenham, added: “Celebrating 170 years of service is a rare and significant milestone. Whether people join with friends, family or colleagues, we’d love them to be part of this moment, creating wonderful memories and helping us continue to make a real difference. The more, the merrier so let’s dance our way towards positive change.” 

Tickets cost £10 per person and include entry to the Danceathon, a commemorative T‑shirt, and access to an online fundraising page to share with friends, family and colleagues.  

To sign up to take part in the YMCA Cheltenham Danceathon or to find out more, visit https://www.ticketsource.com/ymca-cheltenham/t-pllyvqe. Registrations close on Sunday, 31 May. 

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Editors notes

About YMCA Cheltenham:

YMCA Cheltenham’s 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 – 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.