YMCA Tayside makes a difference

YMCA Tayside are passionate about helping people grow, build confidence, and gain skills for success.

“Thanks to a grant from CABWI, we’ve created unique spaces for personal and professional development that are making a real difference. Opportunities such as Life Skills and PX2: Becoming Me, highlight the transformative impact this funding has made possible.

Take Jack’s journey, for example. When Jack joined our life skills sessions, his cooking experience was limited, and he struggled with self-doubt after difficulties in school Home Economics. With support, he gained confidence, learning to cook dishes like mac and cheese and pasta Bolognese. A standout moment came when he cooked for over 50 young people at a weekly YMCA drop-in, a huge confidence boost that motivated him to try new challenges.

Jack’s positive experiences at the YMCA have inspired him to study social sciences in college, with aspirations to become a youth worker. With support from YMCA youth workers during challenging times in college, he has sustained his place there, showing his determination.

For two young people, Andy & Katie, The PX2: Becoming Me course has had a significant impact on their journey. This 10-unit course helps young people build self-worth, challenge their doubts, and set meaningful goals. Both, once sceptical of their own abilities, they successfully applied for the Cumberland Lodge’s Youth and Democracy project in Windsor —an opportunity they likely wouldn’t have considered before. Andy and Katie now feel empowered to embrace leadership roles and step out of their comfort zones, just as they have through their participation in our Youth and Democracy project.”

The project manager says: “CABWI’s funding has been vital in making all of this possible. It’s allowed us to create opportunities where people can grow, learn, and make a lasting impact in their communities. We are very thankful for your support.”