Plymouth

At YWCA Plymouth we welcome girls and women aged 11 to 30, many of who have been referred to us by the probation service or social services, but we see many other disaffected young women, too.

The centre offers a safe space and confidential support to girls and young women who may be excluded, have low self-esteem, be unemployed, had difficulties with basic skills, difficulties with relationships, and suffer abuse and/or violence. Many of the young women we work with have suffered some form of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. We:

help young women gain self-esteem and confidence

providing advice, support and skills so girls can take control of their lives

help girls to understand their rights

helping them gain skills to get back into employment and/or education

Jasmine, aged 17, says: "I want to tell people how much YWCA has helped me. I feel more confident about myself, I also feel more comfortable coming here than any other place."

Our programmes and groups

100% Girls This is a group for young women aged 12 to 21and meets at the centre every Thursday evening. There are many different activities at each session and this includes issue-based sessions.

Girl Thing This is a group for women aged 16 to 30 and takes place at the centre every Wednesday afternoon. It provides a space for young women to get support and to do activities to build their confidence and self-esteem.

Time Out This group for young mums and young mums-to-be is held at the centre every Wednesday afternoon. It provides support and encourages learning around positive play, healthy eating, communication and much more.

Young Womens Steering Group A chance for young women to have a say about how YWCA Plymouth is run and to discuss issues facing young women today.

Sexual health Our trained sexual health worker provides information and support on all aspects of sexual health.

Advice and guidance Girls get up-to-date advice on education, employment, housing etc.

One-to-one support Our youth workers provide a safe space in total confidence for young women to get one-to-one support on any subject they want to discuss.

More than One Rung Campaign Group This group of girls and women is working on YWCA's national campaign to help disadvantaged young women work their way off the bottom rung of the career ladder.