Youth charity head to retire after 23 years

The head of a young people's charity has announced he will step down from his role after 23 years of service.

Danny Flynn, chief executive of YMCA North Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent, confirmed he would retire on 31 March to become his wife's primary carer.

The charity praised him for helping it grow into "one of the region's most impactful youth and community organisations".

Mr Flynn said: "It has been the greatest privilege of my working life to serve YMCA North Staffordshire and the young people we exist for."

He added: "Together, we have achieved transformational change and built something truly special for this community."

He said he was confident the YMCA was in an "excellent place" for the future and looked forward to seeing its next chapter.

YMCA North Staffordshire said Mr Flynn's tenure saw the expansion of community facilities and creation of programmes supporting vulnerable young people.

This included the recent unveiling of the charity's new £6m youth hub which included 46 one-bedroom apartments for young people, situated next to the existing campus in Hanley.

"His influence has helped raise the voice and aspirations of young people, strengthen community partnerships, and embed a culture of compassion and ambition across the organisation," YMCA North Staffordshire added.

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