Statement from YMCA Scotland, standing in solidarity with others in denouncing prejudice, racism, intolerance and all forms of discrimination

YMCA, YWCA, the World Scout Movement, the World Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement, and The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation, call upon European institutions to advocate on behalf of all young people on how CoVid-19 is, and will, impact on their lives.

Thousands of youth work settings across the country are closed in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, and YMCA is responding with innovative solutions.

My passion is to promote the education of all girls across the world. To teach them about technology and the digital world, to prepare them for the jobs of our present and future.

Paisley YMCA is using immersive technologies to allow young people to have deeper discussions about their attitudes towards alcohol.

A free roadshow to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the YMCA will be exhibited at Broughty Ferry YMCA (151 Brook Street, Broughty Ferry, DD5 1DJ) on the 26th and 27th March – 10am – 4pm

Sarah has been the carer for her alcoholic mum for most of her life. Since an early age, she’s had to prepare family meals, look after her siblings whilst also taking care of her mum.

I was bullied for 2 years and dropped out of high school because of stress. Coming to Cupar Youth Cafe allowed me to rebuild my confidence and find a new direction in life. 

Ryan had completely disengaged from school and was involved in risk-taking behaviour. He had lost all interest in his friends and was experiencing extremely low moods. He was self-harming as a way of coping.

I first came to Cupar Youth Cafe because I had heard about the LGBT group.

Linda Watson from Kirkcaldy YMCA, won the “Outstanding Practices in Staff Development & Training Award” at the Scottish Mentoring Network national event last November. 

Ashley King, from Kirkcaldy YMCA, was awarded Mentor of the Year at the Scottish Mentoring Network Annual Meeting last November. Despite the tragic death of her son last year, she has continued to volunteer.

While most of us will be tucking into turkey with all the trimmings, thousands of young Scottish people face a festive season without food, warmth, shelter or company.

Andrew, from Aberdeen YMCA, talked about the impact that YMCA175 had on him at our Annual Business Meeting.

With a few weeks to go until the UK votes for its next government, YMCA has released its manifesto calling on political parties and candidates to deliver a new era for youth, with policies tailored to give each young person the opportunity to live their best lives.