Young people who’ve experienced homelessness, family breakdown or trauma come to live at YMCA at crisis point. Often facing social isolation, they feel displaced from their life, forced to start again. Money worries, poor mental health and low self-esteem are major barriers to engaging in sport or developing creative talents. Yet these are vital pathways for boosting wellbeing, forging friendships and building skills that will shape their future, including meaningful work and independence.

This project opens up a world of sport, culture and wellbeing for our young residents and ex-residents. Three phases will first engage young people and secondly help them to discover their passions; from music & arts to sports & outdoor adventures, they can try vibrant taster workshops, local classes or explore new places together. The third phase is to create pathways to growth and work opportunities through partnerships and creative networks, including training and paid roles in our theatre.