Yma turns 5!

Today marks the 5th anniversary of Yma’s incorporation.

This year we reached a significant growth milestone, having generated over £1 million of revenue since we launched in March 2020.

As a not-for-profit social consultancy this means that Yma has been able to:

- Create 11 high quality jobs in Mid and West Wales;

- Support the design of person-centred services, sharing what we learn and connecting people with each other and resources; and

- Build up financial reserves to support the stability of our business into the future.

The work that we do is evolving, and the golden thread that runs through it all is the importance of engagement. My observation of the system is that engagement continues to be the thing that is underestimated and undervalued. It is also emerging as one of Yma’s most effective offers to the system, with a growing portfolio of examples of where our contribution is helping shift the emphasis.

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HealthPathways Programme: Connecting Stakeholders

The All-Wales HealthPathways programme, alongside our partners Streamliners and in collaboration with the NHS Executive Planned Care team, is an example of where engagement has always had highest priority. Whether its weekly operational check ins with Health Board teams, monthly newsletters that celebrate and inform or working with National Clinical Leads and their networks – we aim to keep stakeholders well-informed and engaged with the programme's progress, fostering collaboration and shared learning.

Marie Curie: Gathering Insights

Our work with Marie Curie has been instrumental in gathering valuable insights through interviews and companion volunteers. By conducting these conversations, we have been able to understand the personal fulfilment volunteers experience from supporting people living with dementia. This feedback has provided essential information to improve and further develop the Dementia Care and Respite Service in West Glamorgan. Carers and volunteers feel comfortable sharing their experiences, leading to a deeper understanding of the service's impact.

West Wales Regional Partnership Board: Involving Stakeholders

We hosted a series of workshops for our local RPB this year, with the aim of creating a shared sense of purpose and priority. We invested time in meeting with people individually ahead of group conversations and creating environments in sessions where people could share what they needed to be willing and able to participate. Noticing who engaged with different methods of communication or activity helped us to involve more people by tailoring our approaches.

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Heading into the next 12 months, there are many challenges ahead and a fair share of exciting opportunities too. I have heard the phrase “Survive ‘25” used on more than one occasion by leaders across the system.

Being guided by our purpose and values will provide the firm ground we need to navigate it all and to our dedicated team, partner organisations and community of friends and allies, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your support and belief in Yma is the cornerstone of our success.

Happy 5th birthday Yma!

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