YMCA takes youth support on the road

A North East charity has launched a mobile youth club to bring support, activities and advice directly to young people in rural communities.

YMCA North Tyneside has unveiled its new Y Bus, which will travel across rural County Durham and the wider North East, offering a safe space where young people can meet youth workers, take part in activities and access guidance.

The initiative has been made possible through funding from Better Youth Spaces, sponsorship from Housing 4 Good and branding support from Screentech.

Designed to tackle isolation caused by limited transport links and a lack of local services, the Y Bus will also provide creative activities, refreshments and opportunities to connect with trusted adults.

Rachel Dyne, head of community at YMCA North Tyneside, said: “Y Bus has been an ambition of YMCA North Tyneside for some time now. 

“We have heard the challenges young people face in rural communities, and we wanted to be able to address this.

“Our mobile youth club allows us to work towards tackling the isolation of young people living in rural places. 

“A youth club is more than a place to come and do fun things. 

“It is a place where young people can connect with others and build trusting relationships. 

“We want to remove barriers to engagement and address local needs by listening to communities directly. 

“Everything about the Y Bus will focus on local needs, and we will have the flexibility to adapt our service around what young people and communities tell us they need.”

Joanne McNally, head of North East operations at Housing 4 Good, added: “Housing 4 Good is incredibly proud to be the sponsor of this inspiring project with YMCA North Tyneside, helping bring a new mobile youth club directly into communities that need it most across the North East.

“By supporting this project, Housing 4 Good is investing in more than just a vehicle. 

“It is helping create a safe space and a life-changing opportunity for young people who may otherwise face isolation, limited access to support services or barriers to community engagement.

“Together, Housing 4 Good and YMCA North Tyneside are committed to creating lasting social impact, empowering young people to feel seen, supported and hopeful about their future. 

“We couldn’t be prouder to partner with YMCA North Tyneside on this important project.”

Janet Richardson, director of housing and partnerships at Housing 4 Good, added: “Housing 4 Good was a lifelong dream of mine. 

“After 40 years working for large, registered providers and the YMCA, I have seen firsthand the difference a home can make to a person’s life.

“The housing crisis is the worst I have seen in a long time, and Housing 4 Good was created to make a real difference. 

“Together, with Bailey Capital, we are partnering with organisations including YMCA North Tyneside and Feeding Families North East to make an impact not just on housing, but on the wider support, stability and opportunities that people and communities need.”

YMCA North Tyneside is encouraging communities to suggest locations where the Y Bus could visit, as it looks to expand its outreach and support more young people across the region.

To suggest a location for the Y Bus, email info@ymcateesdale.or.uk.

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