Following the easing of restrictions, Young People from YMCA Dublin celebrate a successful summer of activities and connectivity as they complete the YMCA Dublin ‘Out and Active’ Summer Programme which focused on rebuilding mental and physical well-being and social skills after lockdown.
Funded by the Department of Health and the Government of Ireland through the Healthy Ireland initiative, this programme was dedicated to helping young people based in inner-city Dublin to readjust following the re-opening of society by focusing on programmes and activities to support their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
From rock climbing to mindfulness walks, yoga and sea swimming, this active programme has helped 26 young people regain their confidence, get out of their comfort zone and enjoy being outdoors again. The young people also engaged in Crisis Management sessions, which focused on the key needs of the groups and developing the skills needed to handle these situations, looking at the transition from primary to secondary school, hate speech, team building, positive relationships and substance misuse. With the success of these sessions, they will be continued until Christmas.
Erin Ballesty, Youth Work Team Leader said “These sessions have been instrumental in keeping some of our youths out and active over the summer while teaching them the skills to build positive relationships and to explore their passions. With this programme, we wanted to rebuild the social skills that were lost during Covid-19 lockdowns and reconnect our youths back into society. It is amazing to see how much these young people have grown and gained more and more confidence throughout the programme.’
Kathryn O’Mahony, CEO of YMCA said “We were delighted to host a summer of activities and offer a safe environment for our youths following the easing of restrictions. From physical and mental well-being to crisis management we wanted to focus on the main skills and activities that were deeply impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns and welcome our youths back to a safe and supportive environment. We would like to thank the Healthy Ireland initiative for their support with this programme.”
YMCA Dublin received 100% engagement over the last number of weeks and look forward to continuing supporting young people with on-going initiatives as they return to school.
For more information or to get involved in any of the YMCA Dublin programmes, please visit YMCA.ie
