With today economic climate many young people as well as parents have concerns for the future. Young people work hard at school with no certainty of becoming economically secure at the end, yet society pressurises them to have all the latest gadgets. Parents fear they will not be able to provide basic needs for their families, many families are under pressure and young people feel depressed and helpless about their future.

Lurgan YMCA supports individuals who have such concerns. A friendly supportive chat about concerns, guidance to accessing more professional support is found at the YMCA.

We offer volunteering as a healthy way to keep body, mind and spirit active to maintain self-esteem and confidence. We have local volunteering opportunities as well as links to regional and international YMCA's. Our young people 18yrs and over have volunteered to work in YMCA adventure camps through our partnership with Canton Ohio YMCA in America. If you want to do something meaning and rewarding contact

Alcohol is still the preferred drug of local youth although other drugs are being experimented with e.g. Fill in here Lurgan YMCA offers a range of healthier option for local young people that empower them to be more healthier & creative, develop personally and socially and to channelling their energy productively. Lurgan YMCA works on the streets at weekends to engage with young people who are drinking and being anti-social and we encourage them to join our programmes. Parents with concerns about their children or teenagers interest or involvement using any drug can contact us for support.

Lurgan is a sectarian divided town. In recent months it has suffered once again to sectarian violence, murder and children caught up in a rubbish bin bomb. These actions have also put many Lurgan youth at risk of criminal involvement in dissident activities from all side of the community.

Many young people are indoctrinated with bigotry beyond their years by members of their own communities. They are often coerced into involvement in sectarian acts and violence. With such exposure to danger, young people feel intimidated and fearful of adults within their own communities resulting in many youth displaying aggressive or withdrawn behaviour. Such behaviour stems from abuse such as "neglect", "physical" and "emotional" abuse. Communities need to protect their youth.

Lurgan YMCA actively works against the actions of any adult or group who encouraging young people to engage is sectarian behaviour, promote the joining of a dissident organisation or cause any abuse or hurt to a child or young person. We will work with and support any concerned group of parents from any community to provide a safer environment for children and young people.

Providing help where it is needed.

We are fully committed to seeing the streets of Lurgan free from the problems that see young people's lives ruined. In order to achieve this we offer counselling and advice services to all young people that need it. For anyone who is afraid to speak to us we have provided a list of links that they can explore in their own time to find out more about each of the different issues.

To inspire young people to reach their full potential in spirit, mind & body and to build good relations and social inclusion within our community.










 

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