Opis organizácie

Founded in 1873 Carrickfergus YMCA is a local voluntary organisation that works with children, young people, families and community, with particular regard to those that are disadvantaged and disaffected. Underpinned by Christian principles, Carrickfergus YMCA responds to local needs and seeks to share and learn from being part of a national and international Movement. Affiliated to the National Council of YMCA’s in Ireland, the YMCA in Carrickfergus is an autonomous organisation governed by a local voluntary board of directors.Carrickfergus YMCA works with around 250 young people and just over 150 families each week through a range of projects including:Youth Drop in - Open 5 evenings & 2 afternoons each week to work with young people between ages 12-25 years. Approx 40 attendees each night. The club offers normal drop in activities plus project-based youth programmes addressing issues affecting young people in N. Ireland today.Health Hub – a drop-in shop front providing education, advice, support and referral to youth and young adults on a broad range of health related issues such as alcohol and drug use, sexual and mental health, diet and eating disorders. The Health Hub also works in local post primary schools facilitating a “wellbeing” centre and training to groups.Parents and Kids Together Project. This project runs after school activities five afternoons each week and a teenager club. Parents take part in life skills / educational courses. The project works with participants from five public housing estates and has bases in Glenfield and Woodburn estates.Carrickfergus YMCA is represented locally on various statutory and voluntary sector committees and working groups including: The Northern Health Trust – Children & Young People’s Strategy Group; Carrickfergus Borough Council Youth Providers Forum; SureStart Management Group; Carrickfergus & Larne Family Hub, etc. We have been involved as a hosting organisation in EVS for over 12 years. Carrickfergus YMCA is also a member organisation of Volunteer Now and accredited through the ‘Investing in Volunteers’ process.Carrickfergus YMCA employs 5 full-time staff in Programme Coordinator and administration role and 6 part-time staff in key work and service delivery roles. The organisation has regular and consistent support from 30+ local volunteers primarily engaged in programme delivery, committee structures and support roles.