At YMCA Dublin, we believe the most meaningful support happens when it’s embedded directly in the communities where people live and learn. This month, we marked a key milestone in that mission with the delivery of our Alternative Suspension programme in Parslickstown.
Bringing Support Closer to Home
Introducing Alternative Suspension into a school community marks a powerful shift in our evolving approach to youth services – one that focuses on place-based, early-intervention support delivered directly in the neighbourhoods that need it most.
Parslickstown is the first of several communities where we’ll be extending our reach over the next year. This expansion is part of our broader commitment to making support more accessible, more relevant, and more rooted in local communities.
What is Alternative Suspension?
Alternative Suspension is a proactive programme designed to support students facing behavioural, academic, or emotional challenges that may put them at risk of suspension or disengagement from school.
Instead of being excluded during difficult periods, young people take part in a structured, supportive environment, where they can:
- Reflect on what’s happening in their lives
- Keep up with schoolwork and avoid falling behind
- Set goals and develop coping strategies
- Reconnect with their education and trusted adults
It’s an approach grounded in reflection, support, and re-engagement – not punishment.
Why It Matters
Delivering Alternative Suspension in school settings reflects our commitment to equity, accessibility, and responsiveness. By adapting our delivery to meet young people in their own communities, we’re removing barriers and providing timely, effective support.
And the impact is clear:
- 94% of participants remained in school after completing the programme
- 75% showed significant improvements in disruptive behaviour
- 46% demonstrated increased motivation and reduced apathy
These outcomes show what’s possible when young people receive the right support at the right time – re-engaging with school, rebuilding confidence, and moving forward with purpose.
Working Together for lasting impact
We’re proud to be working alongside t committed school partner and the wider Parslickstown community as we take this important step forward. Their openness, insight, and collaboration have helped make this milestone possible.
This is more than a programme expansion – it’s part of a shared effort to build stronger, more connected communities, where every young person has the support they need to thrive, belong, and succeed.