Search this site

Who are we

YMCA is a voluntary organisation that works with children, young people, families and the community, with particular regard to those who are disadvantaged and disaffected. Underpinned by Christian principles, each YMCA responds to local need and seeks to share and learn from being a part of a national and international movement.The YMCA has existed in Ireland for 160 years. There are 19 local YMCAs providing services ranging from peace building to vocational training. We have built expertise in specialist work with families, youth justice, schools and health work all founded on the principles of effective non formal education. Approximately 26,000 young people use our services every year.The Irish YMCA works both sides of the border and shares learning and kinship across the cultural divide. The links below will allow you to look at local websites and individual work areas

What do we do


Programme areas
For further information please click on the links to examine an area of programme that has been developed
 including : 
  • Youth work
  • Youth participation
  • Global youth work
  • Youth information
  • Youth counselling
  • Vocational training
  • IT training
  • Literacy support
  • Independent living skills
  • Leadership training
    • including:
    • Health promotion
    • Schools work
    • Drugs education
    • Family work
    • Sports & fitness
    including:
    • Community development
    • Community relations
    • Volunteer development
    • After schools
    • Housing support
    • Day Care
    Where do we work


     

    Latest News

    • Congratulations Carrick Congratulations to the Carrickfergus YMCA Management committee, staff and volunteers, on what is an extraordinary achievement - the new Carrickfergus YMCA. It was great to see the building looking so well ,fresh and innovative in its design, well equipped, beautifully finished. It was even more wonderful, to see it buzzing with young people engaged in positive activities. The three storey building includes a large sports hall, a training kitchen, interview room, large recreational area, a coffee bar, an art and crafts area, , a large office area, a meeting room, a playgroup room a training room and two shop units presently used for the Association health work. On behalf of the rest of the Irish movement we wish you well as you ...
      Posted 8 May 2013 00:54 by Stephen Turner
    • Dublin Gives Thanks Staff, friends and users of Dublin YMCA's services met in Whitefriars St Church to give thanks to God for the difference the YMCA makes in the lives of young people. The event featured a range of inputs including personal stories, poems and prayers against a backdrop of community gospel music led by the Unity Gospel Choir. The Chairperson of Dublin YMCA Jules Hamilton spoke of the practical ways in which the YMCA was showing God's love in action.
      Posted 2 May 2013 02:11 by Stephen Turner
    • Minister opens the New Lurgan YMCA                           Congratulations to George, Hugo and the team on the opening of the new Lurgan YMCA. In a ceremony which featured the Minister of Education, the local Mayor , the Chair of IFI Adrian Johnston and Lurgan YMCA young people the new Building was opened with a wonderful mixture of formal and informal speeches. It has been a long road to see this incredible building completed but when you see it you can only be impressed by the foresight, faithfulness and imagination of all those involved. Lurgan YMCA are a youth organisation that since 1986 has focused on marginalised disadvantaged youth (10 – 20+ years) at risk from drugs, alcohol, smoking, bad relationships, sectarianism, sectarian violence, anti-social behaviour, dysfunctional family life and ...
      Posted 2 May 2013 01:34 by Stephen Turner
    • Impact Matters One National Council's strategic objectives is to improve capacity of the Movement's programmes. To achieve this we have initiated a programme which engages 6 research interns to map and build evidence of the Irish YMCA's activities. The six interns are graduates with research training and experience. The project is entitled IMPACT MATTERS. The interns will work with each YMCA and map out the outcomes of their programme and geomap participation in the Associations activities. This will be used to build a STATS and FACTS publication for the association and eventually for the whole Movement. After the mapping stage the project will seek to develop systems for more effective data collection for 'Needs Analysis'  project performance and beneficiary ...
      Posted 22 Dec 2012 02:31 by Stephen Turner
    • Annual Review 2011/12 Launched YMCA Ireland launched its  new look 2011/12 Annual Review as part its 36th AGM held in City of Dublin YMCA. The report summarises the work of the National Council in both parts of the island over the past year and documents its impact on young people by using a number of case studies.  Please follow this link to view  Annual Review 2011/12 
      Posted 22 Oct 2012 02:58 by Ivan mc mahon
    • Bon Voyage to Andy Andy Hamilton youth volunteer at North Down YMCA, participant in the International Leadership Programme and member of the National Executive has set sail for 8 weeks of voluntary work with Tearfund in Rwanda. We hope Andy has a safe, enjoyable and fulfilling time in Africa and comes back ready to share his experience with us all.
      Posted 21 Sep 2012 02:51 by Stephen Turner
    • Priorities for Youth Monday September 17th will be remembered as an historical day for the NI Youth Service as it saw the long awaited publication of 'Priorities for Youth' policy document. It's been 4 and 1/2 years in development and its arrival has coincided (3 days later) with the announcement of agreement in the NI Executive on the abolishing of the main educational institutions (education and library boards etc.) and the setting up of the Education and Skills Agency . So lots of change, opportunities and threats to YMCA youth work! The next three months include many opportunities for consultation. We will be taking every chance to make sure a quality service is maintained for young people of all backgrounds throughout NI
      Posted 21 Sep 2012 02:47 by Stephen Turner
    • Part to Play This autumn Northern Ireland will have the first pilot of the UK National Citizen Service Programme. 250 young people will have the opportunity to engage in personal development, social action and skills development programme which will take place from October to December. The young people will be recruited from 8 locations through the six counties. YMCA will be playing it's part. Greenhill will host residential training for five of the groups and Belfast YMCA will deliver the programme in 3 locations East Belfast, Newtownards and Cookstown. Young people from all backgrounds in year 12 at school are invite to participate and will earn hours towards the Millennium Volunteer award as part of the Scheme. For further details contact Geraldine ...
      Posted 21 Sep 2012 02:46 by Stephen Turner
    Showing posts 1 - 8 of 58. View more »



    Subpages (2): ezine extra YMCA chatroom