Young People Count (YPC) is a youth-led organisation dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming space for young people aged 11-18. We are run by a passionate team of youth workers, volunteers, and young people themselves, all committed to creating a place where young people feel supported, valued, and empowered. Our youth board plays a key role in shaping what we do, ensuring our activities reflect the real needs of the young people we serve.
Our vision is simple: to ensure that every young person has somewhere they feel they belong. We provide a space where they can connect with others, learn new skills, and build confidence. Whether they need support with their mental wellbeing, a place to unwind, or opportunities to develop their potential, YPC is there for them.
We are a small charity and rely on the support of our community, local business and funding. Everything we do for young people is free, so that no young person has to face financial barriers to accessing support or activities.
At our youth club, we run a variety of sessions, including:
- The Cooking Club – Teaching young people essential life skills, from preparing healthy meals on a budget to cooking for their families. For many, this is the first time they’ve had the opportunity to learn these skills in a supportive environment, and it’s a great way to build confidence and independence.
- Support with Employability & Education - Putting support in place to help young people navigate first steps in employment, including CV sessions, careers evenings, building connections to local businesses and employment opportunities. We help young people by offering homework support, GCSE study sessions, money workshops and life skills workshops to prepare them for the future.
- Creative & Wellbeing Activities – From arts and crafts to yoga and music, we offer sessions that allow young people to express themselves, develop resilience, and explore new interests.
- Mental Health & Peer Support – We provide a safe space to talk, and access support, including free drop-in counselling sessions. Young People can also take part in activities designed to build self-esteem and emotional resilience.
- A Place to Just Be – Not every session is structured, and that’s important. Sometimes, young people just need a safe place to relax, socialise, and feel like they belong.
Why We Need Your Support
Like many community organisations, we have been hit with unexpected cost increases—from rent and utility bills to the rising cost of essential supplies. We are actively working on a long-term funding strategy to secure our future, but in the short term, we need urgent support.
We aren't looking for anything fancy; staying open is the primary goal!
The money we raise will go directly towards:
- Keeping our doors open – covering rent and utilities so we can continue providing a safe space for young people.
- Supporting our staff and volunteers – ensuring we have the people in place to run sessions, support young people, and create a welcoming environment.
- Sustaining and growing our activities – funding resources for workshops, cooking sessions, wellbeing activities, and more.
Without this support, we risk reducing our services at a time when young people need us more than ever. By helping us reach our goal, you are ensuring that young people have a safe, supportive space where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Be Part of the Solution
Your support can make a real difference. Every donation helps keep our youth club open and ensures young people have a place where they feel safe, heard, and valued.
Thank you!