Case Studies

The YMCA Tayside was formed in 1995, a registered Scottish charity based in and around the Perthshire area. They work with young people aged 8-25, providing them with a multitude of opportunities that unlock their hidden potential, inspiring their growth while nurturing their development and harnessing their interests, within a flexible and non-pressured setting.

Most of the young people who are involved with YMCA Tayside have experienced challenges of varying complexities whether personal or external that have made participation in full-time education or employment difficult.

Recognising that the conventional education system is not for everyone, especially vulnerable young people and people with challenging behaviour and adverse experiences. YMCA’s dynamic approach encourages young people to obtain new skills and qualifications at the pace that they are comfortable with and without any rigid structure, providing them with the flexibility to work towards desirable SQA accredited qualifications and skills that interest them, without the pressure imposed in a formal education setting.

They work with a range of professional partners and qualified youth workers alongside experienced tutors with skills in all of the core areas that YMCA deliver. These skilled professionals work with the young people on a one-to one or group basis to develop a tailored action plan to build self belief and develop employability skills as well as achieve verified vocational qualifications. The charity is also supported by external organisations such as Skills Development Scotland and Barnardo’s. Both of these organisations have a dedicated hub within the YMCA building to offer and benefit from their expertise and connections as well as developing relationships with local private companies to further the opportunities available.

For supporting the young people to complete their qualifications and gain new skills. YMCA have invested in state-of-the-art equipment consisting of 3D printing machines, heat presses and embroidery machines for clothing decoration, graphic tablets, a fully kitted out craft workshop, a sound production studio, gym facilities and a retail shop and café.  

All of the equipment is used to give young people access to limitless opportunities, skills and training to kickstart their careers, giving them the confidence and belief to forge their own positive paths and destinations with expert support along the way.

Following a £7.2 million upgrade in May 2024, YMCA Tayside completed a full restoration of a vacant 130-year-old Victorian church building at the heart of Perth’s city centre. The Y Centre is built over three floors, which includes a gaming area, a large kitchen, digital skills hub, drop-in space, a large conference room, private/quiet spaces and a social enterprise shop. Shortly, an outdoor courtyard will feature a stunning garden area centred around a restored historic well and will be an additional place for people to spend time outdoors.

Adjoined to the Y Centre are seven flats, wholly owned by YMCA Tayside, to provide emergency accommodation for young people who are homeless or transitioning from care provision to independent living.

There are 17 full-time staff members and 59 volunteers who help with youth groups, mental health and wellbeing support and 1-to-1 sessions, giving young people the extra support needed to find their path in life. Over half of those employed by YMCA Tayside have used the services offered by the charity. Inspired by the incredible work and impact that YMCA are having on young peoples lives, some of the participants are being drawn to a career in youth work, which stands testament to the organisations influence  and experiences that they are providing for young people.  

Currently, YMCA are supporting 640 young people across Tayside to inspire their positive destination and future through engagement with opportunities. Offering access to a range of workshops led by qualified instructors and trained youth workers.  This early intervention work prepares young people with life skills, desirable qualifications and work experience. By leveraging strong partnerships with private companies and public sector organisations to gently propel them into the world of work or further education.

Perth and Kinross Council nominated YMCA Tayside for the SPA Community Benefit Fund in 2024. Following their application and approval from the Lintel Trust Board. YMCA were awarded £10,000.

Working in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council’s education division, YMCA Tayside presented a unique concept to the local authority that was centred around young people aged 14. From research, it was discovered that this is the age range where early intervention is required for children who are becoming disruptive and not engaging with education to steer them in the direction of a better path.

Perth and Kinross Council, alongside several local high schools in the area, identified 8 individuals who could potentially benefit from the Y Enterprise initiative which offers a tailored and flexible approach towards encouraging engagement and participation with the view of encouraging them to reset and shift their mindset towards school while obtaining further qualifications.

These students occasionally face challenges in maintaining classroom focus, which if not addressed through intervention, could impact their overall progress and attainment.

As a pilot project, YMCA developed a programme that inspired entrepreneurship and creativity which required engagement and personal accountability to progress through each stage. Delivered in a way that adapted to the young peoples strengths and interests led by qualified youth workers that were in a similar place to these young people not so long ago.

Y Enterprise aims to engage young people who require a bit of support to tap into their hidden potential. The 6 week programme has been designed to explore the young people's interests, honing in on their creativity and sharpening their skillset and understanding of how to become an entrepreneur while learning about the key components of running a successful business looking at a variety of aspects including marketing, accounting, sales, operations and strategy.

Based on the TV programme ‘Dragons Den’ the young people are required to develop a business idea and pitch it to a panel of ‘Dragons’ made up of senior executives from the YMCA and representatives from the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce. A successful pitch will receive £150 to allow them to start up their business and bring their concept to life. A small percentage of the profits generated will be donated to a local charity and the surplus will be kept by the young people.

Since 2017, the SPA Community Benefit Fund has been the backbone of developing and transforming local communities by investing in a diverse range of community-led projects that are helping residents reconnect, increase future prospects, address critical needs and improve the perception of their community.

Over the years, it has channelled funds to social enterprises, charities and community groups across Scotland, where meaningful impact can be achieved and supporting projects that are driving positive change and creating lasting social value in communities.