The pandemic and cost of living crisis had a disastrous impact on young people’s mental health. Young girls are particularly at risk, by 14, girls' wellbeing and self-esteem falls dramatically. Research has proven mentoring helps prevent anxiety and mental health issues for both mentors and mentees. The need for resilience, confidence and self-belief during these uncertain times cannot be under-estimated and will better place them to face their futures.

Y’s Girls is a proven approach and is highly effective. It carefully matches young girls with volunteer mentors, who commit to working with girl for a full year, engaging them in positive activities. Given the success of our programme we want to expand to Central YMCA. With your help this Christmas more young girls will be able to access a programme with proven success in improving mental wellbeing, school attendance, employability, and family relationships!