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    YMCA Youth Services helps young people to build up their skills, find a job and connect with their community.

    The Y acts as a platform to empower young people to have their voices heard and reach their potential in life. We do this through our various program areas:

    The YMCA Youth Services team are working on the frontline, helping young people everyday. The team's main experience is in youth work, training and education, as well as in other areas of the not-for-profit sector.

    Our team work with all types of young people, leveraging relationships with businesses, local and state government and other community organisations. Whether you're a business with employment opportunities for young people, a procurement agency looking to fulfil a government contract, or a local council looking for engagement opportunities within the community, we can help.

    Staff and volunteer programs

    Future Leaders

    The Future Leaders program provides professional development training for emerging leaders at YMCA Victoria. This runs every year over a three day event and is aimed at young staff and volunteers who have made a positive contribution to their local YMCA and want to develop within the Y.
    UNO-Y

    UNO-Y is an intensive program of self-reflection and personal development to transform young people into exceptional leaders. The UNO-Y program brings together 60 people from YMCA Victoria over five days, through a series of workshops and outdoor activities.

    Learning and leadership

    Evolve

    YMCA Evolve develops the social and emotional intelligence of Grade 6 students in preparation for their transition into high school. Over eight weeks, students engage in activities and workshops (aligned with the Victorian curriculum) to improve their capabilities.
    Youth Parliament

    YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament gives young people a chance to be heard at the highest levels of the Victorian Government. Through this program, young people are empowered to research and debate issues relevant to their lives, share their views and influence change.
    Youth Press Gallery

    YMCA Youth Press Gallery is an opportunity for young people interested in political journalism, photography, or filming, to gain valuable industry experience. The Press Gallery reports on stories from our Youth Parliament program. Media for young people, by young people.
    Youth Camp

    Youth Camp is a week-long residential youth development program, facilitated at one of our campsites. Campers aged 8-16 are mentored and empowered to participate in team building activities, make connections in their community, build life skills and get out into nature.

    Social impact

    Bridge Project

    YMCA Bridge Project provides young offenders with a second chance - through education, training and employment. By providing the right support, we are reducing rates of reoffending and helping young people become positive members of society.
    Rebuild

    YMCA ReBuild is a social enterprise that supports young people (previously involved in the criminal justice system) re-integrate into the community through employment. We train young people with vocational skills such as painting, landscaping, and carpentry, then hire out our services to businesses.

    Y Spaces

    Bendigo

    YMCA Bendigo Youth Services runs a number of programs to keep young people in the community active and engaged. Our youth workers and volunteers run regular games and activities, school workshops, wellbeing initiatives and a youth hub for young people to meet new friends, have fun and connect.
    Peninsula

    YMCA Peninsula Youth Services ('Jimmy's') is a youth centre on the Mornington Peninsula that supports young people with their mental, physical and emotional health to live happy and fulfilling lives. We provide mentoring, support programs, retreats, as well as online activities.

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