This business is Currently closed

YMCA Barnsley

YMCA Barnsley is an independent local charity that works for and with children, young people and their families delivering high quality children’s and youth work programmes. We provide a safe and welcoming space and positive activities supporting participants so they can belong, contribute and thrive in their communities. We have been an active part of our community since 1857 and have an established reputation as a deliverer of youth services. Our youth work is led by young people who shape projects from their inception; ensuring programmes are young people and need led. Empowerment of young people is central to our ethos and we support their personal development and provide opportunities for them to shape their communities. We have active young volunteers (aged 16-25) and peer supporters (aged 11-16) engaged in leading and developing provision, and a young trustee (under 30) who is active in National and European YMCA forums. Our participant led children’s and youth work supports the development of positive mental wellbeing. Our programme includes afterschool activities, youth clubs and holiday activities, curriculum, creative arts, and horticultural and environmental projects and young volunteering programmes. Ensuring young people have access to consistent contact and support from qualified and experienced youth workers. In 2023 we supported over 1311 children and young people, delivering 10 children's and youth work sessions per week, resulting in more than 18,024 contact hours with those individuals. Project evaluation demonstrated a 65% increase in general wellbeing with the majority of participants reporting an increase in their emotional well-being and resilience. We work in collaboration with others to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people and have a proven track record of achieving positive results across a range of programmes and delivery models and staff and trustees have experience in managing contracted and funded youth and community work programmes. Many of the children and young people we work with come from families experiencing economic and social challenges. We support and encourage them to have good health and wellbeing and to become more resilient emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually, ensuring a positive transition into adulthood. We also provide affordable, quality facilities for other charities, organisations and local groups, including training rooms and a sports hall. We use the resources we have available to support those who are homeless and vulnerable through guidance and referral, shower and laundry facilities and work with the rucksack project and Barnsley Homelessness Alliance.