About Us
Transforming lives in East Surrey
YMCA East Surrey is a vibrant charity that has been actively supporting the local community since 1870. We help people to believe in themselves, support them to achieve their goals and inspire them to be the best they can be.
Our most recent Impact Report highlights our work through the stories of just some of the people who have used our services throughout East Surrey.
Read some of the Real Stories of people that we have the privilege to work with or watch our video below.
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Our mission and values
YMCA East Surrey’s mission is to provide opportunities for people to develop to their full potential with a focus on children and young people and those who are vulnerable, have a disability or face disadvantage.
YMCA East Surrey helps people to live their lives to the full by offering activities, services and support that:
YMCA East Surrey is part of the YMCA movement, which is built on Christian values. Our services are driven by the following principles:
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Our People
YMCA East Surrey has been operating since 1870, serving families and local communities so that everyone can belong, contribute and thrive. Find out more about the individuals leading our YMCA.
Ian Burks
Chief Executive
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Ian Burks
Chief Executive
Ian has been CEO of YMCA East Surrey since 1999 and prior to this worked for 13 years at Hornsey YMCA (now YMCA London City and North) as Programme Director. Ian holds a Masters in Leisure Management, a CIH Level 4 Diploma in Supported Housing and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies. He is also a qualified Fitness Instructor, Gymnastics Club Coach and holds a range of sporting coaching qualifications, including Boccia and Goal Ball.
Ian’s major work achievements include the creation of YMCA Hillbrook House supported accommodation, the renovation of the YMCA Sovereign Centre, the build of the Inclusive Sport Facility at the YMCA Sports and Community Centre and leading on the acquisition and development of three move-on housing projects.
Ian is a keen participant in YMCA challenge fundraising events, raising money for YMCA East Surrey’s charitable work and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Ian has completed many cycling challenges, marathons and even an Ironman in Barcelona in an incredible 10hrs 49 minutes.
Paul Byrne
Chair
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Paul Byrne
Chair
Paul is our Chair and a member of the Finance & Resources and Facilities & Environment committees. He has been involved with YMCA East Surrey since 1991 when he ran the London Marathon for our cause. Subsequent sponsorship challenges have included cycling from Biarritz to Barcelona and Redhill to Paris and Bruges. He works closely with Ian, our CEO, to develop our services with a particular interest in the provision of housing.
Paul became a trustee in 2013 after retiring from a business career which included being the CEO of a quoted logistics company and chair and non-executive director of several businesses in logistics, recruitment and management consultancy.
Ian Burks
Chief Executive
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Ian Burks
Chief Executive
Ian has been CEO of YMCA East Surrey since 1999 and prior to this worked for 13 years at Hornsey YMCA (now YMCA London City and North) as Programme Director. Ian holds a Masters in Leisure Management, a CIH Level 4 Diploma in Supported Housing and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies. He is also a qualified Fitness Instructor, Gymnastics Club Coach and holds a range of sporting coaching qualifications, including Boccia and Goal Ball.
Ian’s major work achievements include the creation of YMCA Hillbrook House supported accommodation, the renovation of the YMCA Sovereign Centre, the build of the Inclusive Sport Facility at the YMCA Sports and Community Centre and leading on the acquisition and development of three move-on housing projects.
Ian is a keen participant in YMCA challenge fundraising events, raising money for YMCA East Surrey’s charitable work and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Ian has completed many cycling challenges, marathons and even an Ironman in Barcelona in an incredible 10hrs 49 minutes.
Judith Brooks
Head of Children & Young People / Deputy CEO
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Judith Brooks
Head of Children & Young People / Deputy CEO
Judith joined YMCA East Surrey in October 2018 as Head of Children’s Services. Prior to this she was Head of Department for Youth Work Programmes and Apprenticeships at YMCA George Williams College teaching students at further education, undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Between 1999 – 2008 she was Programme Manager and Deputy CEO for a youth volunteering charity in Kent, VSU Youth in Action, now part of Imago. Judith’s qualifications include BA(Hons) English; Post Graduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work and a Masters in Management from Bayes Business School, University of London.
Judith has extensive experience in the development and management of targeted and universal services for children, young people and families, adult further and higher education programmes, and cross-sector partnership working. She holds organisational responsibility for safeguarding and staff professional development. Judith is also an ordained priest in the Church of England and is Assistant Priest with the Oxted Team Ministry in Tandridge. She is passionate about inclusion and working with people so they can achieve their best outcomes.
Lee Fabry
Head of Housing
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Lee Fabry
Head of Housing
Lee Fabry joined YMCA East Surrey in March 2016 after previously working as a Housing Manager for the UK’s largest housing association, Clarion Housing. He has a CIH Level 5 in Strategic Housing Management, BTEC Level 5 Community Safety Strategic Management and a degree in Criminal Law.
Lee is the strategic lead for all aspects of our housing services and regulatory framework (RSH) and a Designated Safeguarding Officer. Lee understands the issues for vulnerable young people and is keen to grow YMCA East Surrey’s housing services to prevent youth homelessness.
Stuart Kingsley
Family Services and Youth Work Manager
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Stuart Kingsley
Family Services and Youth Work Manager
Heather Loxley
Safeguarding Trustee
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Heather Loxley
Safeguarding Trustee
Heather is a Trustee and lead for Safeguarding on the Board, Chair of the Children and Young People’s Advisory Group and member of the Governance Group.
Heather is a qualified social worker with experience of managing services in Local Authorities and National Voluntary Organisations as an Executive Director. Has also held roles as a Special School Governor and Director, and as Chair of a local HIV Charity. Heather’s passion has been to develop and deliver high-quality services for children and families, she has led on innovation, change and charity mergers.
Ian Burks
Chief Executive
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Ian Burks
Chief Executive
Ian has been CEO of YMCA East Surrey since 1999 and prior to this worked for 13 years at Hornsey YMCA (now YMCA London City and North) as Programme Director. Ian holds a Masters in Leisure Management, a CIH Level 4 Diploma in Supported Housing and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies. He is also a qualified Fitness Instructor, Gymnastics Club Coach and holds a range of sporting coaching qualifications, including Boccia and Goal Ball.
Ian’s major work achievements include the creation of YMCA Hillbrook House supported accommodation, the renovation of the YMCA Sovereign Centre, the build of the Inclusive Sport Facility at the YMCA Sports and Community Centre and leading on the acquisition and development of three move-on housing projects.
Ian is a keen participant in YMCA challenge fundraising events, raising money for YMCA East Surrey’s charitable work and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Ian has completed many cycling challenges, marathons and even an Ironman in Barcelona in an incredible 10hrs 49 minutes.
Judith Brooks
Head of Children & Young People / Deputy CEO
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Judith Brooks
Head of Children & Young People / Deputy CEO
Judith joined YMCA East Surrey in October 2018 as Head of Children’s Services. Prior to this she was Head of Department for Youth Work Programmes and Apprenticeships at YMCA George Williams College teaching students at further education, undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Between 1999 – 2008 she was Programme Manager and Deputy CEO for a youth volunteering charity in Kent, VSU Youth in Action, now part of Imago. Judith’s qualifications include BA(Hons) English; Post Graduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work and a Masters in Management from Bayes Business School, University of London.
Judith has extensive experience in the development and management of targeted and universal services for children, young people and families, adult further and higher education programmes, and cross-sector partnership working. She holds organisational responsibility for safeguarding and staff professional development. Judith is also an ordained priest in the Church of England and is Assistant Priest with the Oxted Team Ministry in Tandridge. She is passionate about inclusion and working with people so they can achieve their best outcomes.
Lee Fabry
Head of Housing
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Lee Fabry
Head of Housing
Lee Fabry joined YMCA East Surrey in March 2016 after previously working as a Housing Manager for the UK’s largest housing association, Clarion Housing. He has a CIH Level 5 in Strategic Housing Management, BTEC Level 5 Community Safety Strategic Management and a degree in Criminal Law.
Lee is the strategic lead for all aspects of our housing services and regulatory framework (RSH) and a Designated Safeguarding Officer. Lee understands the issues for vulnerable young people and is keen to grow YMCA East Surrey’s housing services to prevent youth homelessness.
Kathryn Frost
Head of Central Services
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Kathryn Frost
Head of Central Services
Kathryn joined YMCA East Surrey in May 2025. She holds a Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management and beyond her professional work, Kathryn is committed to community and sector-wide impact. She is Chair of the East Sussex Scout Council, a Trustee of the Dogstar Foundation—supporting animal welfare in Sri Lanka—and an assessor for the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, helping to uphold high standards across the sector.
She is passionate about inclusive leadership, mental health in the workplace, and creating environments where young people and animals can thrive.
Daniel Markan
Head of Finance
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Daniel Markan
Head of Finance
Daniel joined YMCA East Surrey in December 2021 as Head of Finance and has had a number of other similar roles in the charity and not-for-profit sector. He is a qualified accountant and has a wide range of experience in managing finance teams as well as a track record of improving finance processes and strengthening financial controls.
Daniel was previously Head of Finance at Friends of the Earth before joining YMCA East Surrey. As Head of Finance, he manages the Finance team, produces the management and annual accounts and leads on the annual budget planning process. He enjoys working for a charity that makes a difference in the local community and supports families.
Paul Byrne
Chair
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Paul Byrne
Chair
Paul is our Chair and a member of the Finance & Resources and Facilities & Environment committees. He has been involved with YMCA East Surrey since 1991 when he ran the London Marathon for our cause. Subsequent sponsorship challenges have included cycling from Biarritz to Barcelona and Redhill to Paris and Bruges. He works closely with Ian, our CEO, to develop our services with a particular interest in the provision of housing.
Paul became a trustee in 2013 after retiring from a business career which included being the CEO of a quoted logistics company and chair and non-executive director of several businesses in logistics, recruitment and management consultancy.
Ross Anderson
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Ross Anderson
Ross has been a trustee of YMCA East Surrey since early 2022 but has been a supporter and promoter of the YMCA since moving to the area 10 years prior. He is the Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Advisory Group and supports a number of challenge events to support fundraising. Ross is the Managing Director of a large Education Charity after a career leading Change and Transformation programmes across multiple sectors.
Ross became a trustee primarily to support the sustainable growth and efficiency of the YMCA East Surrey as it delivers its strategy, and is also a trustee of a Multi-Academy Trust which operates 8 schools in the local community.
Mike Gent
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Mike Gent
Mike joined YMCA East Surrey as a Trustee in 2024 and is our Treasurer and Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee. He is a Chartered Accountant and recently retired from a business career where he was CFO of the European arm of an American insurance company.
He is keen to support YMCA East Surrey in their work to address the needs of many of the most vulnerable in our local community.
Louise Elliott
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Louise Elliott
Louise has worked as a solicitor with Surrey law firms for over 25 years and brings a wealth of practical expertise to her trustee role. She has a keen interest in the welfare of children and young people and was previously trustee and chair of Home-Start East Surrey providing practical support to families with young children.
Louise joined YMCA East Surrey as a trustee in 2021 to be part of a vibrant and effective resource at the heart of the community and sits on the Finance and Resource Committee.
John Guy
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John Guy
John is a retired Chartered Accountant with a passion for financial control and risk management. He was attracted to the YMCA by its wide range of services and activities supporting a spectrum of those most in need in our community.
He leverages his experience and background and brings added value by being a member of the Finance and Resources Committee and chairing the Governance Group.
Heather Loxley
Safeguarding Trustee
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Heather Loxley
Safeguarding Trustee
Heather is a Trustee and lead for Safeguarding on the Board, Chair of the Children and Young People’s Advisory Group and member of the Governance Group.
Heather is a qualified social worker with experience of managing services in Local Authorities and National Voluntary Organisations as an Executive Director. Has also held roles as a Special School Governor and Director, and as Chair of a local HIV Charity. Heather’s passion has been to develop and deliver high-quality services for children and families, she has led on innovation, change and charity mergers.
Lola Odunsi
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Lola Odunsi
Lola Odunsi sits in the Children & Young People and the Facilities & Environment committees within the YMCA.
Lola holds a BEng in Engineering Geology from University of Portsmouth and an MSc/DIC in Petroleum Geoscience from Imperial College London.
Lola’s primary experience is in the energy and industrial sectors. She currently works as the International Sales Director for GHGSat with a focus on environmental sustainability, digitization, legislations, business development and technical sales. Lola is passionate about developing young leaders and provides Early Years support through her private childcare establishment, and counselling and mentorship with her work as Head of Children and Youth group at her local church.
Chloe Schendel-Wilson
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Chloe Schendel-Wilson
Chloe has been involved with the YMCA since she was a teenager – volunteering on the Y-Kids and Yippee clubs when she was in her final years at school. She now sits on the Children and Young People’s Committee and is the Inclusion Lead on the Trustee Board.
Chloe runs her own social enterprise, focusing on developing policy to improve opportunities for disabled people. She has previously worked across both local and national Government, advising politicians on community engagement.
YMCA through the years
YMCA East Surrey is part of the oldest youth movement in the world – the first YMCA was set up in 1844.
Today, YMCA has grown to serve more than 65 million people in 120 countries worldwide regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.
1844
YMCA was founded by Sir George Williams – a worker in the drapery trade in London. Concerned about the welfare of his fellow workers, he started a prayer and bible study group. This soon grew and attracted men from across London.
1870
Redhill YMCA is established.
1883
Reigate YMCA is established.
1891
Basketball was invented at the YMCA International Training School in Massachusetts by James Naismith, a physical education instructor. He was tasked with developing a new indoor sport to keep students active during the winter months.
1914-1918
During the First World War, YMCA supports troops by providing soldiers with food and a place to rest on the frontline or at home in military camps and railway stations.
The red poppy is introduced by an American YMCA and goes on to become a worldwide symbol of remembrance for those lost in the World Wars.
1939-1945
During the Second World War, YMCA introduces mobile canteens, bringing refreshments to the troops. It also supports displaced people, refugees and prisoners of war.
1953
Redhill YMCA and Reigate YMCA merge to become Reigate and Redhill YMCA.
A YMCA centre is set up on the first floor on one of the shops on Raffles Bridge in Redhill to provide the local youth with somewhere to meet.
1960s
Reigate and Redhill YMCA purchases a former church in Bell Street, Reigate as another YMCA centre for activities including trampolining.
Other activities are set up including an angling club, judo club and model railway club.
1970s
The former church building is sold, providing funds to build a new purpose-built YMCA centre.
1980s
The former boiler house of the deserted Royal Earlswood Hospital shows potential as a new centre. Despite being in the middle of fields at the time, the local area had plans for residential development.
1991
YMCA Sports and Community Centre opens on the site of the old Royal Earlswood Hospital’s boiler house.
2000
The first YMCA Fun Run is held in Reigate’s Priory Park attracting 360 runners including 156 children. This
leads to the start of more challenge events.
2004
YMCA Hillbrook House is built in Redhill providing much-needed supported accommodation to homeless young people.
2011
YMCA Sovereign Centre reopens in Reigate after £1.2m is raised for its renovation as a centre for children and young people, especially for those with disabilities.
2014
Reigate and Redhill YMCA rebrands as YMCA East Surrey to reflect expanding services across the wider area.
YMCA East Surrey purchases its first move-on house in Redhill providing housing for up to seven vulnerable young people to live semi-independently with support from our housing staff.
2018
YMCA East Surrey is awarded YMCA of the Year out of 114 YMCAs in England and Wales.
The Inclusive Sports Facility is completed as an £2.6m extension to the YMCA Sports and Community Centre in Redhill, providing a centre of excellence for disability sport, health and wellbeing in East Surrey.
2024
YMCA East Surrey merges with Land and City Family Trust (LCFT) to manage and own The Old Pheasantry.
This historic property, located on Colley Hill, dates back to 1912 and sits on five acres of beautiful countryside near the North Downs Way, offering fantastic opportunities for residentials and outdoor activities.
