Jo Gideon is the Conservative MP for Stoke on Trent Central and on Thursday 2nd May she submitted a discussion about Volunteers which began with the first few words “I beg to move, That this House has  considered the contribution of volunteers. I am delighted to speak on the theme of volunteering. The absence of a large number of Back Benchers gives me the chance to opine at length on a subject close to my heart.” She commented very significant aspects and all of her comments and the other MPs can be obtained from here. During her contribution she also referred to YMCA so here is the text she commented about YMCA.

Who knows where volunteering can lead? My good friend Danny Flynn, the head of North Staffs YMCA, began his career in the charity sector by moving to London to work as a community service volunteer at a day centre for homeless people. He now runs one of the most successful YMCAs in the country. Under his leadership, many young people are given a helping hand. The monthly community meal encourages volunteer teams from across the city to cook a meal for 100 people in the community. A few months ago, I enjoyed taking the challenge up myself.