Emma's Story, YMCA Space

Emma was finding it difficult to meet people and make friends at her new school, and could not afford to take part in the youth activities around the area. When school finished she would go home and watch television for the rest of the night, which often left her feeling lonely.

She found out about YMCA Space through a friend, who took her along to an after school youth session. Emma got the opportunity to take part in fun group activities and meet new people from different schools. She says that YMCA Space has helped to build her confidence while giving her a place that she can meet with her friends every evening after school.

YMCA Space provides these sessions free of charge so that people like Emma can get the support that they need, and provide young people with a safe place to chat with friends and play games. The young people that attend the sessions have access to a range of equipment for recreation and education such as the table football and laptops. The easy access to laptops and the internet make YMCA Space an ideal learning resource as well as a fun youth centre.

The activities and support provided have helped Emma and many others like her to develop important social skills in a fun and safe environment that doesn’t cost her anything.