Forest School is built on a simple but powerful idea: children learn best when they are trusted to explore, take supported risks, and engage directly with the natural world around them.

I am so glad that I decided to apply, it has been such an amazing experience. I have had the opportunity to gain so many new experiences.

I applied for this role because I had just finished my University degree in Theology and knew that I wanted to gain a little more experience in youth work before I went into full time work.

We firmly believe that when our team grows, so do the services we provide. By prioritising continuous development, we ensure that the children and families we support continue to receive the highest standard of care, compassion, and professionalism.

Across our two childcare sites, Belfast YMCA is registered for 178 children per day and employs a team of 40 staff. As a social enterprise provider, we see every day the difference high-quality childcare makes for children and families - but also the growing pressure on the sector.

Unify is a European YMCA Christian mission network which exists to bring people together for prayer, worship and mutual encouragement, while strengthening the Christian mission of the YMCA.

Andy Campbell our Connected Youth Apprentice shares his reflections on the past year.

When I applied for this apprenticeship I was really stepping out of my comfort zone and I knew that this would be an amazing but very new experience for me. I was correct, although the extent of opportunities, growth and support from everyone I worked with this year has exceeded all of my expectations.

Breaking barriers has been an online dialogue project for young people from Belfast YMCA, West Cork YMCA and the YMCA of East Jerusalem.

Hi. I’m Andy Campbell and I am on the Connected Youth Apprentice programme at Belfast YMCA this year.

Hi, I’m Nyncke Kuperus and I am a student in Global Project and Change Management at Windesheim University in the Netherlands.

Clare Hutchinson writes about the first year of the Community Garden