Autumn/Winter 2023 Newsletter

As we begin the transition into the colder months ahead, we are delighted to resume our newsletter and to reflect on a busy few months in YMCA Dublin. 
In this edition, we update you on some of our recent highlights at the Y, and emphasize our commitment to continuing to adapt our services and initiatives to the evolving needs and challenges of the communities that we so proudly serve.

October saw the launch of YMCA Dublin’s Annual Report 2022, which sees us reflect on the evolution of our services in a post-lockdown world and focus on extending our future reach, as we look to develop new YMCA Dublin Community Hubs across the outlying areas of Dublin city, over the coming years.

These new Community Hubs will be modelled on our existing Aungier Street Hub, and will be welcoming spaces at the heart of local communities, with a wide range of vital services available to meet the unique needs of children, young people and families in each area. Learn more in our Annual Report 2022

Réidh, the newest of our Youth Spaces programmes, which supports young people in the areas of education, training and employability, has gone from strength to strength since the launch of its pilot phase in 2022.

In this time, Réidh has served more than 100 individuals seeking the opportunity to train, upskill and gain employment and has partnered with a number of organisations, such as local schools and ETBs, corporate groups and the Irish Refugee Council, to support the delivery of its programme.

September saw our team launch its first series of job readiness workshops, ‘Computers for Careers’ to great success, and celebrating the placement of 8 new participants in full and part time employment, from the programme.

We look forward now to a new phase in the programme’s development as we adapt our approach to more closely meet the emerging needs of our community, going forward.

The YMCA Dublin Community Childcare service has continued to operate at full capacity this year, and we have been taking steps to enhance the range of services offered by our team to ensure an even better experience for the children and families in our communities.

We are excited to share that we are now expanding our focus on play-focused engagement for children and young people across our services and investing in ongoing training & development for our teams in this key area.

Play is an essential aspect of childhood growth and is seen as a natural way for children and young people to develop social, cognitive, and physical skills. It fosters creativity, problem-solving, and a love of learning, making education an enjoyable and engaging experience for young learners. By broadening our playwork initiatives, we aim to create more opportunities for children to explore, learn and thrive through the power of play at YMCA Dublin.

Our Youth Spaces team developed an enhanced understanding of playwork and play-based approaches to Youth Work by training with Playboard NI, earlier this year.

For World Mental Health Day 2023, we were delighted to collaborate with YMCAs across Ireland on the Small Talks, Big Difference campaign, to raise awareness and encourage supportive conversations about mental health & well-being.

At our Aungier Street Hub, we focused on taking the time to come together to have these Small Talks by engaging in themed activities within our services for young people and hosting events for staff and members of the community.

Here at YMCA Dublin, we are well aware of the mental health challenges faced across the country, as well as within our communities. Through local events and initiatives, we want to create spaces for vital conversations to happen and hope that through this campaign, we can encourage positive mental health amongst our communities, and create better futures for our service users and their families.” – Russell Wilbourne, Childcare Manager

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How YMCA Dublin Helped Jake Find His Way

Jake was referred to YMCA Dublin's Alternative Suspension (AS) programme, which is designed to support students facing challenges in traditional school settings. Recognizing his need for personalised support, he transitioned to the PlusOne Youth Mentoring programme, marking a pivotal moment in his journey. With one-on-one guidance from a dedicated mentor, Jake learned to reflect on his choices and explore new possibilities, gradually rebuilding his sense of control. With this support, he re-engaged with education through Youthreach, and discovered interests in mechanics and childcare. “I was lost, but now I have a direction,” he said, reflecting the significant impact this intervention has had on his journey.

The Role of Community-Based Programmes in Mental Health

YMCA Dublin's holistic wraparound approach tailors services to meet each individual’s specific needs, providing young people like Jake with a strong foundation for making informed choices and pursuing brighter futures. This comprehensive model addresses immediate challenges while fostering resilience and self-efficacy—critical components for sustaining long-term mental well-being.

Jake’s journey exemplifies the vital role community-based programmes play in the broader mental health landscape. Initiatives such as Alternative Suspension and PlusOne Mentoring equip youth with essential tools to navigate challenges, stay engaged in education, and build emotional resilience, particularly in underserved areas where poverty and social disconnection heighten mental health risks.

By offering a wide range of services, including youth mentoring, educational initiatives, and family support, YMCA Dublin serves as a crucial resource for addressing the complex challenges faced by at-risk youth. This wraparound model ensures that no issue is treated in isolation, promoting sustainable well-being and development for those in need.

Supporting Programmes That Support Youth

As mental health challenges among adolescents continue to escalate, sustained investment in community-based programmes is essential. YMCA Dublin is actively expanding its reach through the development of new community hubs across Dublin, ensuring that vital support services are accessible to underserved communities.

This World Mental Health Day, we must recognise the importance of a holistic approach that combines community support with access to professional care. Continued investment in early intervention programmes like PlusOne Mentoring and Alternative Suspension is critical to helping young people like Jake overcome challenges, make positive choices, and thrive. The well-being of our youth and the future of our communities depend on it.