Southend YMCA offer a range of support for young people. Here are some new programmes.
There's lots of support available for children and young people at Southend YMCA.
Programmes are particularly suitable for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), experience of care, school attendance challenges, social isolation and mental health difficulties.
Preparing for adulthood focused programmes
- Ready to Work (age 16 plus): employability programme for NEET or at-risk of becoming NEET young people, combining weekly skills sessions, mentoring, and pathways into work and training
- The Landing Pad (age 16 to 19 and up to 25 for those with SEND): a welcoming and supportive space offering positive activities, trusted relationships, informal mentoring and opportunities for young people to build confidence, social connections and wellbeing. Runs Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm.
Support
YWell Counselling and Mentoring (age 11 plus): free mentoring and counselling support for young people experiencing challenges relating to wellbeing, mental health, confidence, relationships, neurodiversity and the transition to adulthood. Referrals can be made by professionals, parents/carers or young people themselves.
Things to do
- All in Music (ages 6 to 25): music mentoring, songwriting, recording, music production, band development, DJ workshops, home education sessions and live performance opportunities. Various sessions run Monday to Friday.
- Big Bold Moves (age 16 to 25): a weekly 2-hour bouldering sessions at IndiRock focused on developing confidence, resilience, and engagement through physical activity. Wednesdays 2.30 to 4.30pm.
- Open-access music sessions (age 14 plus): studio sessions, including dedicated groups for Home Educated, LGBTQ+, and creative female young people.
- The Doodle Studio (ages 10 to 14): creative art sessions focused on drawing, painting, illustration and self-expression in a supportive and inclusive environment. Various sessions on Wednesdays.
Links