At YMCA Dublin, Youth Work is dedicated to empowering young people aged 10+ by fostering their personal, social, educational, and emotional growth.Through engaging and inclusive activities, we help young people develop essential life skills, build self-confidence, and support their overall well-being. From cooking and baking to drop-ins, sports, summer camps, homework clubs, junior leadership, and arts and STEM initiatives, our activities are designed to inspire and equip young people to thrive.

1. Targeting Support Where It’s Needed Most
   While offering open-access youth work, we collaborate with City of Dublin Youth Services to identify and support the groups most in need.
2. Tailored Clubs and Activities
   Based on identified needs and interests, we design activities that foster personal growth, social inclusion, and improved well-being.
3. Building Relationships
   Through informal engagement, school visits, referrals, and community events, we connect with young people and encourage participation. Many of those we support first joined YMCA Dublin through our childcare services.
4. Delivering Inclusive Programmes
   We ensure all clubs and activities are accessible, engaging, and inclusive, while providing continuous support to help young people overcome challenges and barriers.
5. Measuring and Improving Impact
   By tracking attendance, participation, and outcomes, we refine our approach to better serve the evolving needs of young people.

Youth Work makes a meaningful impact by enhancing individual well-being, strengthening community connections, and breaking down barriers to opportunity. Here’s how it makes a difference:

• Healthy: Supporting mental health and well-being through early intervention, preventing challenges from escalating.
• Confident: Empowering young people to lead, build resilience, and play active roles in their communities.
• Connected: Creating positive social interactions, fostering inclusion, and building strong support networks.
• Secure: Improving educational outcomes and employability by reducing the risk of early school leaving.

We offer a wide range of programmes daily, designed to engage, inspire, and support young people in a safe and welcoming environment. Our full-size sports hall is the hub for many sporting and recreational activities.

Our clubs are free and open to all young people aged 10 and above. Parents simply need to fill out and return our consent form, available from the Youth Work team, reception, or online.

Junior Leaders:
A programme focused on leadership, personal growth, and skill development, providing young people with opportunities for outdoor activities and safe recreation in a supportive environment.

Young Women’s/Men’s Groups:
Participant-led, structured workshops addressing real-life issues faced by young people. These discussions are facilitated by trained, trauma-informed youth workers using proven resources to guide meaningful conversations.

Homework Clubs:
Supervised, safe, and supportive homework groups for both primary and secondary students to help them excel academically.

Drop-In:
A relaxed space for young people to unwind after school. Activities include games, pool, video games, chatting with friends and leaders, and simply chilling out.

Art Space:
A creative club for all skill levels, offering a variety of artistic activities, from clay modeling to fabric painting. Perfect for exploring and expressing creativity in a fun, welcoming setting.

Games Club:
Each week features a variety of games, including board games, charades, Pictionary, and more, fostering teamwork and fun.

Sports:
Weekly sporting activities held in our Aungier Street sports hall, encouraging fitness, teamwork, and friendly competition.

Tea & Chats:
An evening space to relax, enjoy a cup of tea, and have meaningful conversations with friends and leaders in a supportive environment.

Movie Club:
Young people watch and discuss a movie each week, learning about direction styles and camera angles. They’ll also have opportunities to become videographers and photographers during our summer projects.

Cooking & Baking:
Participants learn to cook or bake a new dish each week, followed by a shared meal to enjoy their creations together, fostering life skills and camaraderie

Timetables