YMCA Scotland

YMCA Scotland YMCA is the oldest and largest youth charity in the world. YMCA Scotland represents 24 local YMCAs. Keep up to date at www.ymca.scot

We work with more than 10,000 children and young people every week, in more than 100 local communities through 32 local YMCAs. Often based in the heart of a community, we support young people to achieve their fullest potential. YMCA is one of the biggest youth organisations in the world. Founded in 1844, it operates in 119 countries reaching the lives of 64 million people. Across the world, YMCA w

orks to bring social justice and peace to young people and their communities, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or culture. In Scotland, we do this working alongside partners in social work, other voluntary organisations, police, schools and education providers, and local churches. Much of our work is delivered by volunteers and each local YMCA is governed by local people who make up the Board of Trustees.

Great to be at the ever brilliant 2026 celebrating youth work across Scotland that changes lives every day
03/06/2026

Great to be at the ever brilliant 2026 celebrating youth work across Scotland that changes lives every day

03/06/2026

The YMCA has been working in Scottish communities for over 180 years. Whilst the Y was officially started in the centre of London, existing young men’s groups had already sprung up in places like Glasgow, Paisley and Greenock. These groups then joined the YMCA movement, which would go on to become the world’s largest non-uniformed youth charity.

08/05/2026

🔻 Mark Healy has been elected to the Board of the European Youth Forum — the largest platform for youth participation in Europe.

For the first time, YMCA has a seat on the Board. This is a significant milestone for our movement and for the young people we represent across the continent.

Mark (YMCA Ireland) has been a consistent voice for young people within the YMCA. He brings real experience in youth leadership, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration.

At YMCA Europe, we have seen first-hand how he works: grounded, strategic, and focused on results. That is exactly what young people need at the European level right now.

🙌We stand behind him in this role — and we look forward to actively contributing to bring young people to the heart of the decision-making process and stand up for youth rights.

07/05/2026

Dear Young People of Scotland,

The polls close at 10pm. Don’t be anxious; voting is never cringe. If you’re not sure how to get from the gates to marking an X in the box, polling station helpers are there to help you.

Use your vote. It’s your future!

Best,scot

#2026

30/04/2026

It’s Taylor’s turn to whisk you away! This time you’re being taken over the archipelagos of Sweden to Campacity! Stay tuned to find out exactly what Campacity is and how a Taylor fairs without her emotional support beverages!

29/04/2026

What can I say; it’s not as easy as it looks.

Meaningful Work. That’s what young people told us they cared about. They want to be able to earn a living so they can invest in their life and thrive. We all know how difficult it can be to find a job that treats you with respect and provides you a salary to pay for the cost of living in 2026.

has a portfolio of skills development programmes that give young people the experience and confidence they need to get onto the career ladder.

21/04/2026

YMCA Scotland received a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to support 8 of our YMCAs across Scotland. Each team will be co-designing climate projects with their communities and answering the question; what does climate action look like for us?

19/04/2026

We won’t ask Scotland’s young people to do anything we’re not willing to do ourselves. Even a Nerf fight!

A few weeks ago I paid a visit to our for their Nerf battle royale. I’ll share some of my favourite shots next week!

YMCAs like Tollcross are in the heart of Scottish communities, working with our young people to create the events and programmes that they want to participate in. If this seems like the kind of thing you want to get involved in, our DMs are always open!

Address

1, Chesser Avenue
Edinburgh
EH141TB

Telephone

+441312281464

Website

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