YMCA Youth Services are based on positivity, proactively and a whole-of-person approach.

The YMCA has been a trusted provider of values based services to Australia’s youth for over 150 years. Each year, over 300,000 young people come into contact with YMCA Youth Services staff. The Y has dedicated youth services operating in more than 25 communities across the country.  

Click here to find the nearest Youth Service branch

The Y offers an extensive range of youth programs. Here’s a snapshot:

Juvenile Justice

The YMCA Juvenile Justice program provides health services for young people in custody, and post-release support.

Mobile Youth Centres

Perth YMCA Mobile Youth Centres bring activities, support and education to young people in metropolitan and regional Western Australia. The service is an important tool in the Ys preventative approach to youth and community services.

Alternative Education

For example: The Shed – where the young and the old work together to reconnect our community and to encourage the sharing of peoples’ experience and knowledge, the Brisbane YMCA has established a community center called ‘The Shed’. 

Alternatives to incarceration for non violent offenders

The YMCA in Katherine, NT, works with Territory Police and the Justice System to support young offenders by providing alternatives to incarceration for non violent offenders.

Youth Parliament

The YMCA Youth Parliament (YP) is a non party political program that has been delivered at the state level for over 20 years. 

Youth Outreach

Services include information and support in connecting young people and their families to relevant services and facilities in the community. Services can also include drug & alcohol abuse prevention and support services and counseling. 

School education & support programs

Citizenship programs, Youth in governance, mentor programs, youth spaces, study groups and support.

Community Liaison Programs

The YMCA takes its services and activities into the community for those who would not normally be able to access the services at the center. Staff provide assistance (financial or otherwise) to those in the community who need it, through liaising with welfare agencies, schools and other community groups. 

Counseling for youth in crisis

Youth targeted and family focused, aimed at promoting self-responsibility and self-reliance in young people and their families.

Youth Event Co-ordination

For example National Youth Week and local community events.