YMCA Edinburgh

Local Young People Helping Shape the future of Leith

Edie and Tarek (pictured alongside YMCA staff), have been working hard to have their voices heard on the things that matter to them. Alongside peers, as members of YMCA supported participation groups, they have been influencing on matters from housing developments to green spaces and climate action.

Their work has taken the impact of their groups in Leith to the international stage, where the ideas, approaches and outcomes have been shared with YMCA World Council delegates from over 120 countries.

It’s great to see their work recognised in todays Edinburgh News as young people who are helping shape their community, and importantly a story highlighting the positive impact young people make.

As Edie says,

“Kids see the neighbourhood differently”.

We couldn’t agree more. It’s why creating meaningful opportunities for young peoples to share their views and shape their communities matter.

Well done to Edie, Tarek and all the young people involved and thanks to the Edinburgh Evening News for helping share their story.

12+ girls group - last summer trip ✨️

Had one final summer trip to Bowling & Darts at Gutterball. Trying new activity they haven't done before 🎯

The girls were pleased with their finished products from Doodles Ceramic Workshop 🖌🤩

Celebrated passing exams and birthdays 🎂🥳 Wishing the girls a great start to the new school term!

In partnership with Pilmeny Development Project 🤝🏻

🚣🏽‍♀️ YMCA Edinburgh on Tour 🚣🏻‍♂️

Young People from our Friday Night Lights, Cables Wynd Youth Forum and Plusone Mentoring took a trip out to Port Edgar for Sea Cadets On the Water Programme.

🌊⛵Thanks so much to the staff and everyone who came along. Such an amazing day out.

An amazing end to a summer of fun 😀 We may even have found ourselves a new mascot 🐬

🧗🏼 The Friday Night Lights Crew had an amazing time at The Climbing Hanger to finish off a whirlwind month of extra activities. Thanks to everyone who took part. 🧗🏼

8-12 girls group - last summer trip 💕

Lots of fun swimming at Burntisland last week & then we surprised the girls with a chance to go on the rides at the shows🎡

"Say we are going on the rides!" 📸

Wishing the girls all the best for the start of a new school year & we are looking forward to starting the new term in September 🥰

In partnership with Pilmeny Development Project 🤝🏻

Summer Sessions continued with a bit of B-ball for our Friday Night Lights crew 🏀⛹🏽‍♂️ 

Women's Group appreciating the history of and the improvements done by Water of Leith Conservation Trust 👏🏻

Thank you for a great tour Helen! Sunshine on Leith ☀️

12+ girls 💕

The girls loved their ceramic workshop at Doodles. They painted an item of their choice and cant wait to see the final result 🖌🤩

One of the girls returned from her school trip to China 🇨🇳 sharing her experiences with the group 🥰

In partnership with Pilmeny Development Project 🤝🏻

Women's group doing some Chi Gong to relax 🙏🏻

Checking out the Sunshine on Porty with some of our Leith Friday Night Lights Crew 😎

Another amazing Summer Session with Edinburgh Beach Volleyball Club 🏐🏖️

Such a great way to enjoy sun 🌞