SERIES TWO – EDITION THIRTY THREE
In the latest edition of our ‘Faces behind the Business’ series, we caught up with Jon Metcalfe, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at YMCA Together; a non-profit organisation supporting people experiencing challenging times in lives.
When did you first get into the industry?
I first started working with people who needed support in 2001, when I was working to support Asylum Seekers in the city and found it an incredibly rewarding work and since then I’ve moved on to help support people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, problematic substance use and mental health issues. It’s a privilege to be involved in the work that we do and I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing people who share my passion for making people’s lives a little better.
How long have you worked at YMCA and what is your job role?
I’ve been with YMCA Together for 6 years now and I’m the Deputy Chief Executive.
What is YMCAs’ ethos?
At YMCA Together we are driven by our core values of Strength, Humility, Respect, Empathy and Kindness. For 176 years we have been a safe space for people who are in need of our services.
What’s the best bit of advice you could give to anyone looking at working in your line of work?
If you want to find work and a career where you feel like you are making a difference, then working with people with support needs will be perfect for you. It really important to always have hope for people, even when they may have lost hope in themselves, that we keep hope for them, there is no such things as ‘hopeless’ there is always a path to a brighten future but it may be difficult for people to see it for themselves, so support is often about helping people to imagine a different future and moving with people at a pace that is right for them.
What do you love most about Liverpool?
The people – it’s the friendliest and kindest city that I know – it’s got a spirit and an energy that is unique and people have hope in abundance here – it doesn’t matter what barriers are put in the way – we’ll overcome them and I love that determination and I feel that services like YMCA Together have that same spirit, desire, hope and energy to overcome whatever challenges are put in the way.
If you could describe your business in 3 words, what would they be?
Inspiring, Supportive and Values-Driven.
For further information visit www.ymcatogether.org.uk
Are you a business in the Liverpool City Region and want to feature in our Faces Behind the Business series? Contact us now by emailing hello@explore-liverpool.com or get us on WhatsApp on 07568 532 537.
