Tees Valley YMCA - Updated hub timetable and other news - October 2024

As the seasons are changing, we are happy to inform you that are youth sessions in our hub and out in the community are in full swing. Our organisation attended the jobs fair at the Dolphin Centre. We can provide support, information, and advice around job searching, CV and cover letter writing, interview skills, and volunteer opportunities.

Another event our community and youth services will be attending this month is the Opportunities Showcase on Tuesday 22^nd October at Darlington Library 4pm – 6pm. This event will offer young people and families with children the chance to engage with youth services in the Darlington area. A new addition we will be adding to our newsletters is a youth voice section, this will entail an overview of what topics and discussions we have had with young people who attend our Youth Voice Initiative over the month.

During September we spoke to young people about their concerns and issues around underage drinking and vaping. They highlighted the dangers of what could happen when under the influence and the impact it can have on those around them. As a group we explored ways in which the risks could be minimised or prevented such as adapting the advertisement on shop windows, change the labels to not be appealing towards children and young people, to not openly display vapes and alcohol, and raise awareness in schools.

We encourage the involvement of other local services/agencies in our youth sessions and would like to broaden our network.