I have worked on the front-line, in middle management, and as part of strategic leadership teams, so hopefully my experiences will help YMCA Doncaster.
Andrew Hornsby joined the Board of Governors in April 2024.
“I felt I had something to offer YMCA Doncaster,” Andrew said after explaining how he led on the development of YMCA Humber’s award-winning 74-bed hostel and HQ in Grimsby. “Professionally, I offer guidance to charities and the faith-sector, so supporting YMCA Doncaster in its delivery of vital support to local people seemed natural. I know YMCA support thousands of people across the country, and I want to be part of that mission!”
Andrew’s early experience of supporting people experiencing homelessness came working as a Night Support Worker in a hostel in Scunthorpe. “It was an eye-opening experience,” Andrew reflects. “When you are doing your best to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents living in temporary accommodation, you quickly learn how the fabric and quality of a building really does affect one’s mental wellbeing.”
Andrew quickly moved into hostel management and senior leadership, developing his knowledge of what residents need from a building and how spaces can promote healthy lifestyles. “I’ll always remember how young people grew frustrated at hearing music from the neighbouring room yet are so appreciative of being able to play their own music at volume ten! It is operational examples like this that have informed my housing development and design work.”
After twenty years of working in the third sector, Andrew can confidently say: “I have worked for small, medium, and large-scale charities, with some faith-based organisations, and I understand the different pressure points charities sometimes face. I have worked on the front-line, in middle management, and as part of strategic leadership teams, so hopefully my experiences will help YMCA Doncaster.”
Besides imparting his charity and property development expertise, Andrew will either be focused on a DIY project at home or spending time with his family. “My young daughters are active, so they require Daddy-Taxi to ferry them around to their various activities and clubs.” Andrew also enjoys following international politics, boxing, local history, and watching any kind of documentary. “My interests are diverse. I enjoy learning about new things. A recent interest has been how neurodiversity can and should influence architecture and design.”
If you would like to join Andrew on our Board of Governors, please click here for information.