About PlusOne
Through mentorship, PlusOne provides a consistent, positive role model and a reliable support system for at-risk youth, helping them build emotional resilience, develop essential life skills, and pursue positive pathways to reach their full potential.
How It Works
Each young person is matched with a mentor who meets with them weekly for up to one year. Together, they engage in meaningful conversations, activities, and enjoyable shared experiences. These sessions are designed to offer emotional support, guidance, and personal growth opportunities, helping young people make positive life choices and steer away from risky behaviours.
Programme Objectives
The PlusOne Youth Mentoring programme aims to empower young people with the skills and resilience they need to thrive. The programme’s key objectives include:
- Building self-awareness, self-confidence, and effective communication skills
- Supporting youth in expressing themselves and managing emotions
- Encouraging positive engagement with school, family, and community
- Strengthening relationships with peers and family members.
By the end of the programme, each young person should feel empowered, equipped with new tools, and ready to face life’s challenges with confidence and purpose.
Get Involved
Referrals
PlusOne accepts referrals from schools, youth workers, and other community organisations. If you know a young person who would benefit from PlusOne, please contact our programme coordinator, Paul Keegan, at paul.keegan@ymca-ireland.net or complete our Referral Form.
Become a Mentor
Volunteer mentors are essential to PlusOne’s success. Mentors receive specialised training and are carefully matched with a young person based on shared interests. Through weekly meet-ups, mentors provide supportive, engaging experiences that foster trust and positive growth. Apply to Become a Mentor
Support PlusOne as a Partner
YMCA Dublin relies on the generosity of funders and community partners to sustain and expand the PlusOne Mentoring Programme. To explore partnership opportunities and help bring this impactful programme to more young people, please contact Ashling on ashling.cronin@ymca-ireland.net
Jake’s Story
Jake, who grew up in an underserved inner-city Dublin community, faced significant pressures by the age of 15. Disengaged from school and influenced by negative peer groups, his future was uncertain. “I was like a ghost in the halls,” Jake recalls, describing his sense of isolation.
Turning Point
When Jake was referred to YMCA Dublin’s Alternative Suspension Programme, it became clear he needed longer-term, one-to-one support. Through PlusOne, he met Paul, who provided consistent guidance, listened without judgement, and helped Jake reflect on his choices.
Impact
With Paul’s support, Jake developed emotional resilience and self-awareness. “Every time something happened, Paul would ask, ‘What could you have done differently?’ It really made me stop and think,” Jake shared. Today, Jake is re-engaged in education through Youthreach and has found new goals, including a passion for mechanics and childcare. “I was lost, but now I have a direction,” he says, capturing the life-changing impact of PlusOne.
Impact of PlusOne
PlusOne’s success is reflected in significant improvements across key areas. Evaluations show that:
- 91% of participants improved or maintained school attendance
- 77% reported enhanced relationships and stability at home
- 86% increased their engagement with the community
- 100% of participants reported an improvement in overall well-being
These results highlight the transformative effect of PlusOne in supporting personal growth and creating positive, lasting change for young people.
We are now taking referrals to PlusOne.
If you know a young person that would benefit from PlusOne or would like to know more about the service please contact Paul, our programme coordinator at paul.keegan@ymca-ireland.net or complete our referral form below: