Youth Matters Awards Finalists 2024

Elijah has devoted significant time to volunteering as a resident at YMCA Southend.

He has spoken at various events, including Southend City’s Youth Friendly Roundtable and in Parliament, where he addressed the impact of the cost of living crisis on young people, earning an interview with BBC News.

During a Southend YMCA Residential Weekend, he assisted staff with activities like climbing, mountain biking, and archery.

Elijah also participated in the All In Music project, performing with the YMCA staff band ‘Elijah & The Y’s Boys.’ After his involvement with the performance, Elijah became one of the first official All In Music Young Music Leaders.

Recently, he launched a landscaping business and, with his partner Stuart, volunteered for garden maintenance at Southend YMCA’s Newlands Building, receiving praise from Housing Manager John Levy for their outstanding contributions.

Jess made the challenging decision to leave home at 17, staying in B&Bs and sofa surfing, before finding stability at Banbury Foyer.

Inspired by her transformative journey, she began volunteering with YMCA Cheshire in September 2022, where she leads weekly ‘Power of Us’ sessions, mentoring young people aged 16-25 in a safe space to develop leadership skills and discuss important topics.

In 2023, Jess joined the advisory board for YMCA Cheshire, ensuring that young people’s perspectives are represented at an organisational level. She also became a member of YMCA England & Wales’ Youth Ambassador Programme, advocating for youth voices in the community.

Her involvement includes attending the Foyer Federation’s residential, participating in the launch of YMCA’s Manifesto, and promoting the cost of living campaign by encouraging residents to share their experiences with local MPs. Currently, Jess serves as a Young Trustee for YMCA North Staffordshire, significantly enriching the groups she engages with.

Ruth has been a dedicated advocate for YMCA, both locally in Norfolk and across England and Wales, for several years.

Since joining the Youth Ambassador programme in 2022, she has passionately volunteered to represent young people’s voices. Her enthusiasm is evident in her diverse contributions, from serving on the interview panel for the new Chair of YMCA England & Wales to presenting an award at last year’s Youth Matters Awards.

As an experienced Youth Ambassador, Ruth has taken on a mentoring role, guiding newer ambassadors as they begin their journey. She has actively supported YMCA Norfolk through various projects aimed at engaging young people and amplifying their voices.

Notably, she recently coordinated a Y-Vote event, which educated young people about the voting process and facilitated discussions on their priorities for the 2024 General Election. Ruth’s commitment and support have made a significant impact on her community and the Youth Ambassador programme.

Amanuel is a 20-year-old unaccompanied asylum seeker from Ethiopia, who travelled to the UK alone as a teenager and is now seeking refugee status.

Having spent over 18 months in YMCA supported housing, Amanuel has fully embraced the services offered, remaining polite, calm, and dedicated.

Amanuel cares for new residents and treats everyone like family. His close friends have said “if you are his friend, you are friends for life”. He actively participates in YMCA and community events, has decorated emergency bedrooms, excelled in work experience, and recently started swimming lessons.

Amanuel graduated from a local leadership programme for displaced youth and has made impressive progress in his English language skills through ESOL.

His college tutors commend his focus and academic achievements. A talented sportsman, he is known for his football skills.

Amanuel is a humble, reliable individual who remains positive and supportive, always taking the time to check in on others despite the challenges he faces.

Luke faced a challenging upbringing with an abusive father, which left him isolated and anxious.

After a supportive childhood friend moved away, he struggled to connect with others and missed significant school time.

In 2018, at 17, he sought help from YMCA Thames Gateway Group. Initially quiet, he engaged in training programmes with a mentor, studying English, Maths, customer service, and upcycling.

Luke gradually integrated into the workforce at YMCA’s furniture store in West Kent, eventually becoming a Van Assistant and taking on more responsibilities within the Retail team.

He recently completed a Health & Safety Officer course and is now a capable full-time Retail Assistant.

Once timid, Luke has transformed into an outgoing and self-assured individual, overcoming his anxiety about going outside. He aspires to join the police force and positively influences his younger brother, who has also grown through YMCA.

Luke is a real asset to the organisation.

Georgia joined YMCA DownsLink Group after a challenging period in her life. Initially feeling isolated and shy, she soon embraced the support from staff and actively sought opportunities for involvement.

As a Resident Representative, Georgia champions positive, long-lasting change by hosting meetings to gather improvement ideas, making YMCA feel more like home. She was among the first at her YMCA to join the Youth Council, collaborating with residents from other projects to address key issues. Her efforts have led to changes in rent prices, guest policies, and increased activities for young people.

Georgia has also shared the experiences of young residents with the Board of Trustees, advocating for their needs. Having overcome personal struggles and developed essential life skills, she now dedicates herself to supporting other young people, fostering a positive environment for all at her YMCA.

Siana has been a vital part of YMCA Worcestershire since joining their National Citizen Service (NCS) programme as a Youth Apprentice after volunteering.

She has since taken on leadership of the successful Redditch Youth Club and serves as a passionate advocate and campaigner as a Youth Ambassador.

This year, Siana attended residential campaign training and parliamentary sessions with the Youth Ambassador network, engaging with MPs to advocate for YMCA and highlight its significance.

She represented YMCA England & Wales at the YMCA Europe General Assembly in Athens, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to YMCA’s values. At YMCA’s National Conference, Siana eloquently championed the Youth Ambassador programme. Her unwavering dedication to youth work and positive community change has inspired many, establishing her as a true force for good

Nader is a Sudanese unaccompanied asylum-seeking young person living in supported accommodation, where he has a positive impact on both residents and staff. He supports new residents by guiding them, accompanying them to appointments, and sharing whatever he has.

Nader actively encourages participation in activities and has taken part in the “DownsLink Challenge,” a 17.5-mile walk to raise awareness of youth homelessness.

Following the death of a beloved night worker, he delivered a heartfelt tribute at the memorial service. Academically, Nader has progressed through ESOL, completed his GCSEs in English and Maths, and is studying a construction course.

He is an enthusiastic volunteer, contributing to projects like decorating bedrooms and building a bike shelter, and has completed two external placements. Nader is a Resident Representative, a member of the YMCA DownsLink Group Youth Council and a graduate of a local Young Leaders programme, where he inspired others with his speech at graduation.

Sade has been a vital advocate for resident wellbeing and mental health over the past year. At the Surbiton branch, she played a key role in establishing a Wellbeing Café, which promotes healthy lifestyles and mental health practices among residents.

Sade has organised engaging activities, including game nights and trips to Kew Gardens, and has led healthy cooking sessions, art workshops, and discussions, demonstrating her commitment to resident wellbeing. She has represented young people at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs at the Houses of Parliament and shared her experiences at YMCA’s London Manifesto launch, addressing stakeholders and mayoral candidates.

Recently appointed as a Youth Ambassador, Sade’s passion for social justice and her work in mental health have furthered her community impact, including her involvement with Merton Citizen and planning the General Election assembly. Her compassion, creativity, and leadership make her an exemplary volunteer, with an impact that extends far beyond her role.

Tobi has been a dedicated member of the WiSE (What is Sexual Exploitation) service since 2021, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting children, young people and colleagues. As a Senior CSE Practitioner, they lead a team in providing specialised psychoeducational support and safeguarding to some of the most vulnerable individuals in Sussex.

Tobi has developed tailored resources for the team and has coached staff to enhance their confidence in delivering training to external partners. They manage operational relationships with the Online Child Abuse Team at Sussex Police and have fostered connections with local authorities to raise awareness of the service’s support for young people.

Tobi promotes a culture of learning and development within the team, offering a non-judgmental space for staff to debrief after challenging sessions. Their leadership style continues to evolve as they manage a caseload of high-risk, complex CSE cases, all while maintaining a passionate and motivated approach to their work.

Chloe began her career as a Coordinator in 2021 and has since been promoted to Senior Coordinator and then Out of School Childcare Manager. She is deeply passionate about ensuring positive outcomes for children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and her dedication has significantly strengthened the out-of-school clubs.

This past year, Chloe spearheaded the establishment of an after-school club for children who are Looked After or under special guardianship, creating a safe space where they can connect with peers who understand their circumstances. Additionally, she has played a key role in delivering the DfE’s Holiday Activity and Food programme, providing disadvantaged children with enriching experiences and hot meals during school holidays.

Chloe is currently pursuing a Level 5 in Leadership and Management while continuously striving for excellence in her services. Her commitment and tenacity make her a true asset, and YMCA East Surrey greatly value her contributions to the community.

Rhea joined the Children’s Work team in July 2022 and has consistently exceeded expectations in her role. She has stepped in multiple times to prevent service closures, demonstrating invaluable flexibility and support.

Rhea actively contributes to the development of children and family services, creating memorable experiences for both children and parents. She regularly covers shifts in the soft play facility, preschool, and nursery, and is a friendly member of the holiday play scheme team at YMCA Hawker.

Her involvement in promotional activities and marketing efforts across various services highlights her collaborative spirit. Rhea’s empathy and reliability have made her a cherished asset, with parents and children frequently praising her kindness and ability to connect on a personal level.

Her nurturing approach has significantly impacted children’s development and wellbeing. Despite facing personal challenges, Rhea remains committed and dependable, making her influence extend well beyond her role. Her dedication is truly exemplary.

Tim leads the Youth and Young Carers projects at YMCA Sutton Coldfield, where he runs a popular sports club and youth club. With a recent degree in Sports Management, he is well-equipped to guide these sessions in a deprived area of Birmingham.

Tim’s approach combines sports coaching with positive mentoring, helping young people develop resilience and break negative behaviour cycles. For instance, when a young person took something that wasn’t theirs home, Tim addressed the situation without judgment, encouraging them to return it and continue participating.

He also offers one-on-one mentoring for young carers in schools, where he is known for being approachable and supportive. St Edmund Campion School emphasised the importance of Tim’s support, noting that he helps young carers feel less isolated and more empowered. One student expressed feeling “seen” for the first time, highlighting the positive impact of Tim’s work.

YMCA London City and North has focused on maximising impact and excellence over the past year, despite facing significant challenges.

After opening the flagship housing project, LandAid House, in May 2021, the organisation encountered a decline in occupancy due to post-Covid preferences for private accommodation. In response, they campaigned to promote their services and were approached by partners seeking support for individuals fleeing war-torn countries like Afghanistan and Ukraine.

This collaboration allowed YMCA London City and North to provide essential accommodation services to those in urgent need. By 2023-2024, the organisation began meeting occupancy targets and extended support to individuals dealing with trauma from their journey to the UK.

The past few years have been transformative, marked by a merger with City YMCA and YMCA North London in 2020, the opening of LandAid House, and overcoming occupancy struggles. YMCA London City and North celebrates its resilience and commitment to serving young people in need.

YMCA Milton Keynes supports young adults aged 18-35 by providing a safe home and holistic, person-centred support over three years and three stages. In the past year, it has housed 388 young people, helped 110 into employment, and offered over 8,000 hours of meaningful activities.

The centre has acquired 38 move-on properties to aid young people in achieving independence and is launching a new supported housing service in Northampton for those leaving care.

The innovative Mental Wealth programme enhances mental health support for residents facing complex issues. Additionally, YMCA Milton Keynes offers youth mentoring in collaboration with local secondary schools, the youth offending team, and Milton Keynes University Hospital.

Recently, it received funding to establish six youth clubs in areas with the greatest need for quality youth work.

The re-launched HomeGround café provides sustainable income and meeting facilities. As one resident noted, “YMCA gives residents the opportunities to make memories that last a lifetime.”

YMCA Norfolk have supported over 21,500 individuals and provided safe housing for 382 young people across Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and King’s Lynn in the past year.

The Umbrella Housing project assisted 20 young parent families with stable homes and tailored support. The SOS Bus offered aid for those experiencing homelessness in King’s Lynn, saving the NHS an estimated £20,600.

YMCA Norfolk’s Life Ready project helped over 75 young people develop essential life skills and secured £500,000 in funding to expand services across Norfolk for three more years.

The organisation delivered over 450 youth club sessions and supported 312 students through its E-Learning Service, catering to those with medical needs and disabilities.

The Community Hub welcomed over 67,000 visitors to Williams’ Kitchen café and 40,000 to Explorers Soft Play, while Muddy Puddles Nursery enrolled 147 children, receiving excellent feedback. YMCA Norfolk remains dedicated to making a lasting impact in the community.

21 Freeman Street opened in September 2021 after a challenging build during the pandemic.

Located in one of the UK’s most deprived wards, it features 74 smart studio flats, along with social spaces, laundry facilities, a community café, conferencing facilities, and a residents’ gym. All residents, aged 16 and over, have experienced homelessness or were at risk before moving in.

In the past year, the project housed 184 residents and successfully helped 56 move on positively. Each resident receives a starter pack of essentials and is assigned a dedicated coach for daily support.

Additionally, three qualified counsellors provide one-on-one counselling and peer group support, assisting 72 residents with talking therapies last year.

A former resident shared, “YMCA was a huge part of my life… whenever I am having a bad day I always go for a walk. I don’t plan where… but subconsciously my route always ends at YMCA.”

The Housing service at YMCA Sutton Coldfield has made significant strides over the past year in enhancing resident engagement and community relations.

Improved communication with local neighbours, facilitated by regular meetings, has led to a marked reduction in complaints about resident behaviour and an increase in donations.

Within the service, there has been an improvement in residents’ compliance with Licence agreement terms, resulting in fewer evictions. The Housing Team has established strong rapport and trust with residents, allowing for timely interventions during personal challenges.

YMCA Sutton Coldfield also received funding from Awards for All to work with non-English speaking residents to develop their English language skills through informal interaction, as many residents are refugees.

This initiative addresses the barriers posed by long waiting lists for ESOL classes. Furthermore, a counselling service has strengthened relationships within the resident community, while a cost of living project funded by Cadent aims to enhance residents’ independent living skills.

In October 2023, YMCA St Paul’s Group marked the grand opening of its redeveloped YMCA Wimbledon – a new state-of-the-art building on The Broadway.

The development provides a modern living space for residents including 121 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and shared kitchens. Residents and the wider community are also able to access enhanced facilities including a gym, a larger exercise studio, a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio and community counselling services.

The project took 12 years of close work with the local council, with a vision for the new space to create a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) for residents, staff and customers. The result is an inviting, warm building that considers how different spaces work operationally and, most importantly, somewhere that considers the residents, staff and customers’ wellbeing too.

The project has enabled YMCA St Paul’s Group to enhance the quality of the service and support offered to residents and represents a new chapter in the work of YMCA in Merton.

Every day, 121 people call YMCA Wimbledon their home and every day numerous local members enjoy the community services.

All In Music offers musical opportunities for young people aged 6-25 in Southend and surrounding areas. Established over 15 years ago and funded by Youth Music, the project is designed and delivered by YMCA Southend.

Experienced tutors provide fun, informal tuition through one-on-one lessons, group sessions, and innovative workshops, fostering participants’ skills, knowledge, and confidence in music and daily life.

As the only free musical youth service in Southend, All In Music engaged hundreds of disadvantaged and vulnerable young people between May 2023 and May 2024, including a new initiative for the SEND community that focuses on therapeutic music-making. The project exceeded its 2022-23 participant target by 75%, reaching 625 young people who received at least 12 music sessions.

Quarterly live showcase events provide a platform for participants to perform (some for the very first time), socialise, and enjoy free entertainment, contributing to a vibrant and diverse local youth music scene.

The Umbrella Service, part of YMCA Norfolk, offers vital housing support for single parent families of all genders in Norwich and Great Yarmouth. With 24-hour assistance and intensive family support for up to two years, the service addresses various needs, including budgeting, substance misuse, mental and physical health, and education.

In the past year, the service supported 46 individuals from 20 young parent families, with 100% of residents reporting positive life transformations. One young parent, previously at risk of losing their child due to substance issues, received help to secure personal independence payment (PIP), access healthcare, and enrolled their son in nursery, leading to a successful social work assessment.

Another parent, who fled domestic violence while pregnant, received assistance with foodbanks, emergency grants, and counselling, enabling her to rebuild family relationships and work towards independence.

These examples highlight the significant impact of the Umbrella Service on young families in Norfolk.

Y-Kids Thrive is an out-of-school club designed for care-experienced children aged 4-12, including those in kinship care, foster care, and residential care. Recognising that these children often struggle to connect with peers in mainstream childcare, Y-Kids Thrive offers a safe space for social interaction with others in similar situations.

Research indicates that having one safe space and a trusted person can help children flourish in the community. The programme fosters relationships with peers and trusted adults while gradually integrating children into mainstream services when they are ready.

This supportive environment not only benefits the children but also provides parents and carers with essential respite.

One carer noted, “You are great at accepting the children and their challenges and understanding their needs.”

By creating a nurturing space for connection, Y-Kids Thrive is making a lasting impact on the lives of these children, helping them develop valuable social skills and setting them up for future success.

Derby City Wellbeing is a collaboration between the NHS and voluntary sector organisations in Derbyshire, aimed at supporting individuals with severe mental health needs.

Utilising a front door method, the team receives daily referrals from general practitioners and other NHS departments, assessing each case to determine the appropriate clinical or non-clinical support. This person-centred service prioritises individual needs and circumstances over general symptoms.

A YMCA wellbeing coach meets with each participant to assess their needs and provide support over a 12-week period. With a background in movement psychotherapy, the coach helps individuals explore their past and present, focusing on the ‘here and now’ to identify challenges and foster self-awareness through movement and art.

This includes both verbal and non-verbal interventions, such as body movement, clay work, and creative writing. The team has directly assisted over 1,000 individuals, offering the option to access further help after the initial programme, if needed.

The Professional Therapeutic Pathway (PTP) is a waitlist initiative connecting young people in Norfolk awaiting mental health support with vetted, licensed therapists who can provide immediate help.

Since its launch in July 2023, PTP has received 310 support requests, with most successfully matched to therapists. Many participants had previously waited up to two years for help, but through PTP, they have averaged just two months from referral to their first appointment, with some starting within a week.

Currently, PTP collaborates with 40 unique therapists and organisations, offering both in-person and online sessions across various therapy types, including art, music, dance, play, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

PTP prioritises meeting young people where they are, ensuring they feel heard and validated. For instance, one therapist conducted an initial session on a young person’s doorstep, using art to build trust. This later allowed for outdoor sessions at a local beach; a significant step for the young person.

YMCA@Kent Street opened in early 2023, transforming a rundown multi-use games area that had been plagued by anti-social behaviour. YMCA Humber purchased the site and collaborated with local young people to revitalise the area.

The skate park was restored to a safe, usable space, and the changing rooms were refurbished to create a youth and wellbeing hub.

Based on feedback from young people, a variety of free sports activities were introduced, including football, netball, parkour, skateboarding, and fitness sessions.

Some of the young people previously involved in anti-social behaviour have become key members of the football team, set to join the local fair play league in the 24/25 season.

Additionally, ‘Wellness Wednesday’, led by a trained counsellor, offers group activities focused on mental wellbeing, followed by one-on-one support.

With over 40 young people attending each evening, the hub has become a vibrant community space, emphasising both physical and emotional wellbeing.

The Pathways to Employment programme aims to transform lives through education and wellbeing, empowering young people via sport.

In partnership with five Football Academies and Premiership Rugby, it offers high-quality education for those disengaged from mainstream schooling, emphasising teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship. Learners are encouraged to balance academic work with sports, paving the way for careers in the industry or personal training.

Last year, the programme supported 233 learners in Sports and Fitness, achieving a 75% success rate, with 82% progressing to further education, employment, or apprenticeships.

Notably, five students from deprived areas received full football scholarships to U.S. universities. All courses include GCSE English and/or Maths for those needing to improve their grades.

Additionally, the programme features a personal development component focusing on mental health and digital skills, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all learners, while fostering transferable skills for the professional world.

The E-Learning Service (ELS) is an innovative online education platform tailored to meet the individual learning needs of students who face barriers to mainstream education, including medical issues, mental health challenges, and special educational needs.

Since its inception in 2003, ELS has supported thousands of pupils, with 312 students successfully continuing their education last year. All lessons are conducted by qualified subject specialists and can be completed at any time, making it particularly beneficial for students with SEMH, ME, ASD, or anxiety.

ELS also facilitates group learning in schools and inclusion units. Students receive three one-hour lessons weekly, along with a scheduled one-hour live chat tutorial for direct support from their teachers.

One parent noted, “The level of service and support is outstanding, going above and beyond for the benefit of the student.”

ELS has proven to be a transformative educational alternative for many young people.

Thriving Futures is a free programme that empowers local individuals to gain training, find employment and build CV skills, boosting their confidence for future educational or career steps.

In the past year, the Thriving Futures team has supported over 150 people, helping 15 secure jobs, 22 obtain qualifications, 11 enter education, 39 enrol in Maths, English, or IT programmes, and 21 find volunteering or work experience placements.

The team has facilitated access to various opportunities and received positive feedback, such as: “As a first-time single mother trying to return to work, I was reassured by the team that they are here to help.”

Another participant shared, “Emma and Katy provided excellent advice and support with courses. I’ve now completed my Level 2 customer service course and can’t wait for my future.”

Thriving Futures continues to make a significant impact in the community.

The Housing Support Team provides comprehensive assistance to 117 young people living on campus, guiding them from referral to independent living. Their core services include one-on-one coaching from support workers and complex needs specialists, employment and training coaching, a Youth Forum, and a Health Zone.

Over the past year, the coaching team has successfully helped 103 young people transition to independent living, with access to bursaries of up to £500 each. Additionally, the employment coach has supported 198 young people in securing work, education, or volunteering opportunities.

The activities programme offers a variety of options, including hospitality courses and group volunteering, attracting 2,945 young participants and facilitating residential trips to Canada, Romania, and Hungary. The Youth Forum has driven positive change on campus, with members speaking at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs. The Health Zone, open daily, provided guidance for 510 visits last year, ensuring a dynamic, community-focused housing support system.

Mental Wealth was set up in 2023 to address the mental health support challenges faced by residents in the community, as an average of 60% reported mental health issues.

The service provides access to a multi-disciplinary team, including a psychologist and a specialist mental health nurse, allowing for on-site diagnoses of common conditions like ASD/ADHD and autism.

In the first quarter of 2024, 113 young people attended drop-in sessions, 13 participated in group support sessions, and 55 consulted with a psychologist, with 13 screened for ADHD/ASD, resulting in 5 full assessments.

One participant, who faced trauma and family difficulties, found the asset-based, person-centred support invaluable. She has since secured employment, is preparing for independent living, continues to see the psychologist and no longer self-harms. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “Just talking… I got all of it out… thank you, my head feels so free.”

Shine Community Hub is a welcoming and supportive space that has assisted over 500 individuals in Lowestoft through various initiatives, including a community fridge, winter hot meal provision, warm room, cooking programme, and essentials hub.

The community fridge offers families fresh, nutritious ingredients to complement foodbank supplies, utilising surplus donations from Neighbourly and Fareshare, along with produce grown by local young people in the allotment programme. The essentials hub provides Cadent fuel vouchers, clothing, toiletries, baby products, and other items for those experiencing homelessness.

From October to March, the hot meals provision ensures access to warm meals twice a week, fostering community connection and reducing isolation. The cooking programme enhances skills in preparing healthy meals on a budget. Volunteer opportunities allow service users to give back, build new skills, and improve mental health. Amid rising food prices and loneliness, the hub serves as a vital resource and gathering place for the community.

AlleyKats is a vibrant drama group for individuals with disabilities aged 18 and over.

Meeting weekly, the group has successfully staged two major productions and one mini show in the past year, supported by 20 active members, eight staff, a musical director, and a volunteer sound technician. The project aims to reduce loneliness while providing young adults with disabilities a platform for self-expression and creativity through engaging group activities.

Feedback highlights a sense of pride and enjoyment after performances, with one member expressing their “tummy was full of excitement.” Recently, AlleyKats partnered with a local residential home, performing exclusively for its residents, which fosters community connections and raises awareness of the lives of people with disabilities. Opportunities for full-stage performances are rare for this community, making AlleyKats a unique and special initiative that empowers its members through the arts.

The YMCA Neath LGBTQIA+ Youth Group serves as a vital source of hope, support, and empowerment for young people in Neath Port Talbot, addressing the need for a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.

In an environment where discrimination is prevalent, the group provides a welcoming atmosphere for self-expression, peer connection, and a sense of belonging. Beyond supporting its members, the group advocates for social change, raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues through various events, including film nights and educational initiatives.

Prioritising mental health and wellbeing, the group offers resources and peer support, fostering connections among members and the wider community.

Many participants have experienced personal growth and increased confidence through the nurturing environment created by staff and fellow members. By promoting equality and community development, the YMCA Neath LGBTQIA+ Youth Group positively impacts its members and helps reduce isolation while encouraging mutual support.

VYBZ Youth Hub, launched in April 2024 in collaboration with Sidley Austin LLP, aims to positively impact young Londoners by providing an inclusive environment for all, regardless of ability or cultural background.

Young people have played a crucial role in shaping the hub from its inception, ensuring it reflects their aspirations. During Easter 2024, over 70 young people from Islington and the City of London engaged with the hub, exploring its offerings.

The youth programme caters to ages 8-25, featuring creative arts and wellbeing initiatives across three days. VYBZ Create emphasises arts, crafts, and design; VYBZ Sound, a state-of-the-art music studio, focuses on beat-making and podcasting; and VYBZ Move promotes dance, sport, and physical activities. Last summer, participants produced an album and received a Princes Trust accreditation. As the hub expands, it plans to introduce foodbank services and social prescribing to better serve the community.