Swansea YMCA

Staff use a variety of methods to capture and evaluate data to inform practice. Pivotal to this is the use of their management information system. Through this, leaders capture and collate key information ranging from young people’s information, details and reflection of every provision session, distance travelled, and feedback from young people through surveys. The data from the system enables leaders to put effective evaluative reports together. The ability to track and monitor individual young people through the service ensures that staff can amend individual support or provision to best suit the needs of young people.

YMCA Y-Hub have collaborated with a professional theatre company and an artist to deliver a project on exploitation. The theatre company have been delivering a play called ‘Hot Chicks’ which is a story set in Swansea based on young people being exploited. The company worked with a focus group of young people from Y-Hub which led to changes to the script and the music.Alongside this work, YMCA Swansea, the theatre company and an artist have been working with young people on exploitation. This has involved creative sessions, such as decorating face masks, where young people could express how they are feeling through the medium of art. Exploitation workshops run alongside the arts, with young people contributing to all aspects of the project. The project is open to any young person attending Y-Hub.

The Young Carers Card Scheme run by YMCA Swansea provides young carers (under 18) in Swansea with an ID card that discreetly acknowledges their caring role. After an initial launch nationally by Welsh Government, YMCA Swansea took the initiative to preserve the scheme locally. Working closely with the West Glamorgan Partnership Board, they ensure that logos are visible in GP surgeries and pharmacies, so that young carers can collect prescriptions for family members. Staff also liaise proactively with schools to recognise the card. By presenting the card, young people can make schools, health services, and the community aware of their extra responsibilities, often helping them access understanding, flexibility, and support. In addition, Swansea City Football club offers free entry to home games to card holders providing opportunities to these young people that they would usually not have. YMCA Swansea manages applications, issues the cards, and connects young carers with relevant services and resources to support their well-being and empower them in their caring role.