We do loads of very different projects and programmes aimed at those aged between about 13 and 25. Different projects suit different people. Some help you find work or college courses, some help build self confidence, others build practical and work based skills, some help you express yourself and your feelings and others provide support for where you are at right now - working to your agenda. Some run during the day, some in the evening. All are free and all are run by qualified and experienced youth workers, or those currently doing professional training (to at least NVQ Level 3).

How To Get Involved...

If you would like to get involved in one of our programmes, or know someone that would, then please contact the programme leader (click on the projects below) If you are referring someone to us then we may ask you to complete a Referral Form to help us provide the right support.

All information about young people is kept secure and confidential (we discuss more about what this means when you first meet with you).

All our Projects are listed below. Check it out.

This is a group meeting for parents (mums and dads), and parents to be, that are under 20 years old. The aim is to befriend, support and put you in touch with other young parents that are in a similar situation.

SING-A-LONG STORY TIME     |     TIME: 10:45 - 12:00
Last Monday of every month starting this June (2013).
FREE TO ATTEND TO UNDER 20'S 

There is information about further learning at school/college and about what help there is available to you. If you have any questions or you're interested in joining the YPG, contact Hannah: hnicholson@guildfordymca.org.uk

Office: 01483 888122

Also here are some useful websites to visit:     MumsNet     Parent Line Plus     Surrey Parenthood Advice

Our vision at Plantation is to help and support young people to overcome the issues that affect them. We have no time limits and no agenda of our own. We are purely here for young people. We run 1:1 sessions in anger management, overcoming offending behaviour, developing confidence and work skills, improving self esteem, repairing broken relationships, sex and parenting, etc.

We have very good links with other agencies and can refer young people on to more specialist help if necessary, for example drug and alcohol experts and counsellors. If we do refer people on we continue to work with them and walk alongside them for as long as they want. We take self referrals as well as referrals from agencies such as PRU, Youth Justice Service, Police, Social Services, Connexions, e2e and schools.

We have both male and female youth workers who have a heart for, and are experienced in, providing help and support to young people. All our sessions are confidential (this will be further explained in the first 1:1 session).

If you would like more information or are interested in 1:1 support mentoring for yourself or someone else then please contact Sarah O'Brien:

tel: 01483 888122 // email: sobrien@guildfordymca.org.uk

Romance Academy is a 3 month long course supporting and mentoring up to twelve young people as they build their self-esteem enhanced by sexual delay. This project is designed to help young people get to the heart of who they are. It’s their chance to find out how to get the best out of life, love and relationships.

Romance Academy is facilitated by a male (Matt) and female (Sarah) youth worker who works with the group to ensure each member is valued, challenged and supported on this journey.

The twelve week programme will look at issues such as: drugs and alcohol, relationships, what is sex and romance.  During the twelve weeks there will also be a weekend residential to the new forest, various socials and mentoring provided by the youth workers. The course takes place every Tuesday evening starting 19^th April.

If you have anyone who you think may benefit from this project then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01483 888122 or alternatively you can email Sarah: sobrien@guildfordymca.org.uk

www.plantationcafe.org.uk/ra

www.romanceacademy.org

Schools Work

Hannah Nicholson and Michelle Croft are our two youth workers who work in four schools in Guildford and Waverley Borough

We walk alongside these young people in their journey, providing a confidential and non judgemental listening ear, and support for whatever may have going on in their lives.  The range of issues we provide support for is wide and meetings are led by the young person.  Issues can range from supporting them through change (for example, divorce and other relationship issues, loss and bereavement, being new to the area, going through adolescence) to supporting them to grow as people (for example, to learn life and interpersonal skills, to manage their emotions and handle the emotions of others and to change behaviour).  Through to helping them access information and advice (sexual health, money, education, work, counselling, drug & alcohol advice).  To assist young people to access information and advice we may either refer them on to another service and continue to support that young person while they access that service.

Ngage

Ngage is a 12 week creative and innovative programme working with young people of secondary school age.  It is run by two youth workers.  Ngage aims to build self-confidence, encourage young people to re-engage in learning, develop interpersonal skills and prepare them to take a positive role in society.

The programme comprises of: social and personal education, specialised workshops, residential experience, support and mentoring.  Below is an outline of some of the topics covered:

•              Teamwork

•              Self esteem

•              Anger Management

•              World Awareness Day

•              Sex and relationships

•              Drugs and alcohol

•              Community and citizenship

•              Health & first aid

At every workshop, regardless of the topic, the leaders support the young people as they develop their social and behavioural skills.

Ngage runs one day a week, Tuesdays, 9:15am to 3:15pm, off site at Midwey House in Guildford.

Referrals happen for a variety of reasons; mainly teachers refer young people who will benefit from the active and hands-on approach to learning that we provide.  Young people may lack confidence or other skills which make attending school in the traditional format difficult. 

Cre8 is a new initiative from Plantation that brings together 8 young people to design, develop and then publish a book that explores themes around being a young person.

The cre8 group meets every other Monday in the café from 6.30-8.30pm to work on pieces of art, poetry, drawing, and creative writing. The group consists of 8 young people that have been specially selected for their creativity and talents from both the café and our other projects.

If you would like more info on how you can support the Cre8 group, please contact either Sarah O’Brien sobrien@guildfordymca.org.uk or Cassie Philpot cphilpot@guildfordymca.org.uk

We’ve been working in the Josephine Butler Unit, a Young Offender Institution in HMP Downview, north Surrey. Working with up to 16 young female inmates focusing on aspects of community and community living, plus mixing it up with fun and creative team building games. The girls finished the project by completing some large artwork which was then displayed in the unit.

We’re currently looking at more ways to be involved with the young people at the JBU and are working closely with the Governor there to get stuff organised.

Plantation runs various short-term courses throughout the year. Often they’re three days a week over two to three weeks. They normally involve active and adventurous days out mixed with fun ways of looking at options for your future. They are run by two youth workers and are very relaxed and informal. The group size is always quite small too (around five or six people), making these sort of courses ideal if you’re a bit new to this sort of thing.

To see when our next courses are running please get in touch with Sarah O’Brien: sobrien@guildfordymca.org.uk 01483 888122