The Youth Development Department at Watford and District YMCA is all about giving young people the support they need to take control of their lives and achieve their full potential. We do this by working in partnership with young people to design high quality, fun, creative and innovative projects that build confidence, self esteem, and self awareness as well as practical skills ranging from team work to managing finances.
We currently hold the contract for vinvolved, the national youth volunteering programme; and for the Prince’s Trust Team Programme in Hertfordshire and Luton. We support Young Pride in Herts: the only youth-led group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people in Hertfordshire. We’ve also achieved Reach, the national quality standard for youth volunteering and youth-led action in recognition of our outstanding work with young people in the community.
There are two exciting new projects starting soon:
i:Feel Conference – funded by Targeted Action Mental Health in Schools (TaMHS), this conference will provide an opportunity for young people in Watford to engage in a day of learning and exploration around mental health and wellbeing. The i:Feel Conference will be designed by young people for young people
YOT Project – funded by the East of England Community Grants Programme, we will shortly deliver a new six-week pilot project for young people on referral orders. Working in partnership with Watford’s Youth Offending Team (YOT), this project will help young people plan positive pathways into education, employment or training. For more information click into the YOT Project pages.
Some of our past projects include:
Go Get It – an award winning coaching and support programme for young people ‘at risk’ aged 14 - 19.
YFutures – a bespoke pre-NEET/E2E project offering a wide range of alternative education options for young people aged 14 – 25
U Project – a support programme to help young people aged 16 bridge the gap between school, college, training or employment
For more information about any of these projects contact:
Julia Collar, Head of Youth Development
JuliaCollar@Watfordymca.com
