YWCA Scotland works primarily for and with girls and young women aged 9 to 30 in Scotland, particularly where they face social, economic or educational exclusion. We also engage in activities that have a positive impact on young women and girls. This could include intergenerational and mixed-gender initiatives as well as efforts to influence decision-makers at all levels.
There are always planned activities and we all have a say in what we get to do
We deliver regular ‘core’ activities for young women and girls from our centres in Kirkcaldy and Livingston, engage in specific initiatives in other localities and support capacity building for other organisations that work with children and young people throughout Scotland.
Activities for Girls 9-11
These focus on social, creative and physical activities to build self-esteem, team-working, communication, practical skills, confidence, and commitment to learning, health and well-being.
Service users and parents/carers are involved in developing, delivering and evaluating activities.
Activities for Young Women 12-15
These build on activities for the younger age group but involve participants more integrally in planning, delivering and evaluating initiatives.
There is a stronger emphasis on providing information and support on issues relevant to young women (e.g. sexual health, personal safety, substance misuse, positive relationships, community involvement, goal-setting, etc.), educational attainment, and citizenship.
Activities for Young Women 16+
These represent progression from younger age groups encouraging participants to agree group priorities, organise activities, engage with the wider community and cascade their experience and learning to others.
She is starting to come out of her shell and really growing in confidence within the group
Self-directed and experiential learning activities help participants achieve individual and group goals and encourage them to choose positive and sustained destinations. Participants encouraged to strive for Youth Achievement and other awards.
Activities for Young Mothers
These engage isolated and vulnerable young parents, and parents to be in a safe, welcoming environment where they find mutual support, information and access to other services that benefit them and their families.
These include encouragement of positive relationships, parenting skills, learning and employment opportunities and involve considerable liaison with partner agencies.
Volunteering and Helping
YWCA continues to develop new opportunities for service-users and members of the local community serve as volunteers. From June 2011, a “Volunteer Development Worker” will review, update and augment systems for involving volunteers in the charity including recruitment, induction, support and evaluation.
Volunteering will form part of the “progression route” for service users to achieve positive educational, economic and social destinations.
Projects and Partnerships
For further information on our collaboration with other organisations in Scotland, view our Projects page.
