About YMCA Portadown

Committed to Making a Difference

YMCA Portadown was first established in 1903 and was reformed after a period of abayence in 1945.

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The YMCA has been located on its current site since 1957 and in 2019 a new £1.4m youth centre was officially opened by the Earl of Caledon KCVO JP and currently operates a full-time youth centre just West of Portadown town centre. Our programmes range from evening drop-in sessions to specific needs-based interventions for young people with a particular focus on Health, Well being, youth development, International work, and Inclusion. YMCA Portadown is managed by a local standing committee of the National Council of YMCAs of Ireland Ltd.

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WHAT WE DO?

• Health & Wellbeing Peace Building

• Youth Work & Youth Spaces

• Vocational Training Global Youth

• Work / International Work Venue

• Rental

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YMCA Portadown prides its youth work as a process of instilling and nurturing youthfulness in young people, building bridges between young people and their communities through community reach, and empowering young people to become active citizens and leaders through empower-youth efforts. It involves creating safe and supportive environments that encourage young people to learn, grow, and develop critical thinking skills while promoting understanding and respect across different cultural and social backgrounds. The ultimate goal of youth work here, in the YM, is to support the development of young people and their ability to contribute positively to society.

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OUR 3 CORE PILLARS OF WORK

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1. YOUTHFULNESS: This word refers to the process of instilling and nurturing youthfulness in young people by providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and explore their potential. It involves creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages young people to express themselves, develop critical thinking skills, and build positive relationships with others.

2. COMMUNITYREACH: This word describes the efforts of youth workers to engage and connect with the local community here in Portadown. It involves building bridges between young people and adults, promoting understanding and respect across different cultural and social backgrounds, and developing partnerships that can support the development of young people.

3. EMPOWERYOUTH: This word captures the essence of youth work in the YM which is about empowering young people to take control of their lives and make positive changes in their communities. It involves providing young people with the tools, skills, and resources they need to become active citizens, leaders, and change-makers, and to contribute to society.