In January 2022, YMCA North Tyneside entered into a partnership with 13 other YMCAs to deliver RAF Benevolent Fund’s ‘Airplay’ project. YMCA North Tyneside’s community team have a new cohort of youth workers who are working out of RAF Leeming, a base in North Yorkshire, to deliver youth activities and support to young people.
Growing up as part of a military family has its challenges, as parents often spend long periods away from home, and children are required to move school and home frequently. Airplay aims to address these issues by providing a safe place for youngsters to spend time with their peers, with support on hand if needed.
Our new team are dedicated to providing services to meet the needs of the children and young people of RAF families. With weekly sessions and holiday activities the Airplay team are delivering some fantastic work to the ‘behind the wire’ community of children and young people of RAF Leeming. The team works closely with the Community Development Officer and team to ensure that the community and youth work is delivered in partnership for the benefit of the base.
“Airplay is the RAF Benevolent Fund’s youth support scheme, providing essential youth club activities on RAF stations across the UK, as well as a digital platform to connect young people.”
Read more of our case studies:
Our Eid al-Adha Celebrations
Known as the "Festival of the Sacrifice", Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant holidays in Islam and is celebrated by nearly 2 billion people across the world, which is nearly equivalent to 25% of the world's population. At YMCA North Tyneside, we wish to...
YMCA Airplay VS RAF Leeming 2025
The air at RAF Leeming was buzzing with excitement as the children arrived, ready to tackle the day's challenge itinerary. Scribbled on the big whiteboard, it promised a day packed with fun and friendly competition. With many of the same enthusiastic RAF children...
Housing Case Study: A New Chapter of Independence
Supported housing plays a vital role in empowering individuals with learning difficulties to live more independently, offering a safe and nurturing environment that balances support with autonomy. One powerful example of this is a young woman with learning...
Ten Years of Growth
Last Friday lunchtime, the backyard of the housing transformed into a vibrant celebration as we marked the 10th anniversary of this vital supported accommodation. What started as a haven for a small group of young people has blossomed into something truly special....
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...