The Youth Team are a vital part of the YMCA community. The 10 youth clubs they facilitate are safe havens where young people can gather, engage in diverse activities, and develop essential life skills. From sports and arts to educational workshops, the clubs cater to various interests, providing a supportive environment for personal growth and social interaction. Thanks to successes in obtaining funding, the youth team has also been able to run holiday clubs, as part of the HAF (Holiday activities and food) scheme, during school breaks for the past few years. These clubs offer structured and enjoyable activities, ensuring that children remain engaged, active, and learning even during holidays which are always popular! Additionally, the youth team provides mentoring services within schools, offering one-to-one support to help young people navigate the challenges of adolescence. Mentors work closely with students to build confidence, improve academic performance, and develop social skills, providing the guidance needed for future success.
Ashleigh (Youth & Communities Co-ordinator) says:
“We are incredibly privileged to have such an amazing team of youth workers in our Youth Engagement Team. Our dedicated staff and volunteers work exceptionally hard to ensure that young people across the county have safe spaces and reliable support. We are immensely proud of our weekly youth clubs, mentoring and engagement with young people on the street through outreach and detached work.”