The National Council of YMCA's in Wales

Community Work

Supporting families in the community

Over the past number of years the YMCA has become convinced that for certain age groups and in certain contexts, a ‘family youth work’ model firmly embedded in the local community, can make a positive contribution to the development of children, parents and communities. The programmes we aim to provide will provide practical support to parents, children and young people and communities based in the real world where life challenges occur. They offer learning opportunities to a wide variety of participants supporting children, adolescents and their families through community preventative approaches involving the young person, family and extended family, friends, schools, communities and at times other professionals working together for the benefit of the young person.

Youth work interventions traditionally have focussed on the young person in relative isolation from their home, family and community context. Our programmes seek to strengthen the social supports and coping capacities of children and families in the context of their family and neighbourhood. This type of support is not problem focused and in principle is open to all who are encountering challenges of parenting and family living.

The government policy and strategy emphasises the need for increased parental involvement in programmes which seek to enhance the well being of young people.

A family oriented approach offers the best environment for raising children and external intervention should be to support and empower families within the community.

Provide services and support for families
Provide training opportunities for parents and children
Assist families balance work and home life
Provide support for serious family problems
Link with and complement existing services.
Involve parents in the design, delivery and management of the programmes
Disseminate lessons learned and good practice

The focus age range is 4-16 yrs and is in recognition of the need for parents to be supported and encouraged in their role. All our project actions are:

Child centred
Family oriented
Equitable Inclusive
Integrated
Action oriented

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