Over time, Grace would take all the anguish from her past and turn that negativity into something incredibly positive.
During the past 6 years that Grace has attended the Youth Project, her contributions have been the driving force behind a number of ventures within her local community.
One of her first ideas was to organise coffee and bingo mornings with the goal of bringing local people together while raising funds for St Vincent de Paul in Jarrow. This was a huge success, attracting over 70 people per session.
More recently Grace was inspired to begin campaigning for the regeneration of a local cemetery after being saddened by poorly kept grounds and overgrowing graves. She began writing funding bids and spoke passionately with the local council which resulted in a group of volunteers coming together every week and cleaning up the cemetery.
Having regular access to youth and play groups such as YMCA’s Youth project in partnership with Central Jarrow Big Local has helped shape Grace as a person, and from that, Grace is helping shape her local community for the better. Having a safe environment for young people to thrive in, that falls outside of everyday home and school life, is crucial. It allows them to grow as individuals and make their own choices which can result in a better, kinder world for all of us.
Read more of our case studies:
Staff VS Young People Football Match
On Wednesday the 9th of April the football pitch at the Parks turned into a battleground—not of rivals, but of friendly fire as our North Shields Youth Group faced off against the YMCA Staff Team in what can only be described as a match for the ages (and possibly some...
Volunteer Case Study: Jacqui and Albie
Community initiatives often rely on the sustained effort of individuals, not just initial bursts of enthusiasm. At YMCA North Tyneside, the Community Meal programme, launched in January 2023, is a testament to this fact. Offering free hot food, it’s become a vital...
Case Study: Laurie’s Journey
Laurie's journey with the YMCA began at the age of 12 with the aim to escape boredom and forge new friendships. The local YMCA youth group became a regular fixture in her week, providing a welcoming space and opportunities to connect with peers. For several years,...
North Shields Youth Group
Launched in April 2024, our North Shields Youth Group is a direct response to the needs of local young people, made possible through valuable partnerships and funding. Situated in our central North Shields building, the group has quickly become a hub for connection...
From North Shields to Zambia
Sometimes, the impact of local support can reach far beyond our own community. YMCA North Tyneside recently had the privilege of contributing to the Association of Youth Work Studies (AYWS) in Zambia, a donation that will directly support the training of future youth...