YMCA Thames Gateway Group - Romford

Ehab Z.

A nice place where there are a lot of different activities that suits everyone with different age groups.

I had a subscription with the Hussle app, which gives a discount through my bank. But according to one of the receptionists that still I could have paid less if I directly subscribed with them. There is a minimum 3 months subscription with Hussle, so after it expires, I'm going to check their prices.

The gym is nice, with 5 different areas for treadmills and aerobics activities, weightlifting, core exercises and another area with various weightlifting machines. It's not big, but okay if 10 persons or less are there. I usually go early morning around 6am, so it's almost always not busy.

The area for core exercises is very small, even for classes. I have not attended any. Maybe it's being done in different area.

There are other activities other than the gym, which I have not tried. But I pass by a basketball court which looks very nice. There is a cafe as well.

Cal M.

I spent 2 years as a resident at the YMCA in Romford. There were highs and lows across those whole two years.

There are some things I want to praise. The housing team are basically always there- for ANYTHING you need. My support worker was there for me when I was really struggling with my mental health and that was exactly what I needed.

The Cafe staff are absolutely wonderful and they really made my day a few times. A smile goes a long way in a place like the YM and having a laugh with the ladies there definitely picked up my spirits.

My only "downside" per se is that maybe 98% of the residents in the building don't know what to do to move out. There needs to be a more substantial effort to create something to educate residents about council housing, direct debits, money management, housing associations ect.

Some people have been in the building for years upon years and they have no idea how to start the move on process. I had about 6 people ask me for advice when I found out that I was leaving.

Maybe see if you can arrange for a CAB worker to come into the building for a while so that people can find out what to do- buy lunch or something to get people to want to go, its important. Or even 1-1 meetings where residents are given the resources that they need to apply to the council for housing.

I won't fault the ymca because without it I wouldn't be here, but it is so easy to stagnate and fall into depression when you first move in and you know nobody. Giving residents a clear way out (even if it is just a load of forms and short seminars, or meetings with council reps) would be a light at the end of the tunnel for some people. You start to lose hope when you've been there for two years with no progress.

But all I'm all I think the YMCA Is a great resource for young people that are experiencing troubles. I think there could be improvement, but I have nothing to be negative about.

Thank you guys for getting me back on my feet 👋 Miss you all!

mary A.

Worse place to live in they don’t help you move out they don’t care where you go or anything
I wouldn’t recommend it for people that work as they take so much money of you but now I am out there I am a lot happier and enjoying my life

Aleksandrina D.

Great non-profit organisation where everyone can find something that suits their needs. Lots of activities, with some accessible to people with disabilities. I have been attending Kim's Health Rehab and Stroke Rehab classes with my mother in law who had a stroke 4 years ago, and we are very grateful. Kim is very careful with the needs of everyone in her classes. The exercises are seated and very helpful for keeping joints and muscles in good condition. No one is required to do the exercises right, just as much as they can. Everyone is having fun

Tijani H.

I've had two birthday parties here now and it's great value for money. The kids run around like lunatics, on bouncy castles and any extras you want to add. The staff are really friendly and great with the kids. I honestly can't fault it. I do my own food, so it helps keep the costs down and they're always on hand to provide anything I might have forgotten.

Theepa S.

🛑This is an urgent situation that needs to be addressed immediately. The teachers at the Romford YMCA pre-school were unbelievably rude when I brought my child in just one day late on the tuition payment. They flat out refused to let my child attend, despite my explaining the extenuating circumstances. This is completely unacceptable behavior from the staff, and I demand they rectify this issue right away. My child deserves better than this kind of treatment, and I expect the school to be more understanding and accommodating going forward. This is an urgent matter that requires your prompt attention.🛑

Aadam V.

Had some lunch at this place. Was served with a smile and the food was great

Lady T.

I had my daughters 8th birthday party here. She had a bouncy castle party with face painting. It’s really good value for money as you can have up to 35 kids and if you want more children you pay an additional fee. It’s quite hard to find a venue that will take so many children. The children went absolutely mental running around they loved it. It’s three bouncy castles in a huge sports hall. I made my own food and hired out the food room. But there’s an option for the ymca to do the food if you wish. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend the YMCA and would defo come back.