YMCA Gets Government Cash to Provide Extra Summer Activities on Yorkshire Coast

Thursday, 3 August 2023 06:00

By Matthew Pells

YMCA Yorkshire Coast is inviting 11-18s to escape this summer after it secured government funding.

This summer YMCA Yorkshire Coast has introduced over 100 extra hours of youth work in Scarborough, after receiving funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport's Million Hours Fund.

The Million Hours Fund, announced in March will support an additional one million hours of positive activities from youth services across the country.

Owen Price, Youth Services Manager at YMCA Yorkshire Coast said

"We are really happy to be able to provide more for young people to do during the school holidays. For many young people it can be a difficult without having a routine or someone to talk to, other than the people they live with"

YMCA Yorkshire Coast say the extra funding will be used to provide a range of opportunities including Beach Activities, drop in sessions and a Community BBQ.

The YMCA team say:

"until 9th September, we will be running drop in sessions 6pm-9pm every Tuesday and Wednesday at YMCA Scarborough. On a Thursday will be our community BBQ between 5pm-8pm, last food at 7pm.

Starting 7th August running until 16th September will be a range of activities on the beach, Monday, Friday and Saturday 6pm-9pm. Look out for our large flags on South Bay, Scarborough. If the weather is bad, we will be in the Gymnasium at YMCA Scarborough.

Each activity is first come, first served and there is no charge."

The Million Hours Fund gives young people somewhere safe to go, something engaging to do, and someone trusted to talk too. It is provided by the DCMS and the National Lottery Community Fund. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

"Every young person, no matter where they're from, deserves the best start in life and opportunities to fulfil their potential. Youth clubs play a central role here - not only offering sports, games and skills development, but also helping support those in need and providing vital role models "

Liam Downey, General Manager of YMCA Yorkshire Coast, said

"YMCA is one of the largest providers of youth work in the world. Here on the Yorkshire Coast, we are continuing to expand our services to ensure that we are the YMCA our community wants and needs us to be. It's with thanks to donations and grants such as this one for the DCMS and the National Lottery Community fund that makes this journey possible."

"Summer Escape is running alongside YMCA Yorkshire Coast's fully booked Camp Sandcastle, our Y-Perform Summer School and our ever popular Summer Season at the YMCA Theatre."

"Our community BBQs are open to the whole community, with food and drinks provided for free for people 18 and under. A small charge will apply for adults. The BBQ will take place in the Car Park behind YMCA Scarborough, weather permitting."

YMCA Yorkshire Coast is also looking for youth work professionals to join their team. Email info@ymcayorks.uk for more information.