YMCA Cardiff Boys Group

YMCA Cardiff Boys Group is a 10 session project for boys and those who identify, living in Cardiff, aged 13-17. The programme aims to provide a safe space for boys to explore issues impacting them and ensure they are supporting each other and others in society. The sessions include fun, informational and engaging activities to explore topics such as mental health, knife crime, toxic masculinity and misogyny, and healthy relationships, as well as prizes along the way!

The programme involves in-person group work at our YMCA Plasnewydd community centre, located just off of City Road in the centre of Cardiff, and runs over 10 sessions. The purpose of the programme is to allow boys and young men to have a safe space to explore what it means to be young and male growing up in Cardiff, and to challenge norms and narratives impacting their lives.

Through delivering this programme we have learned and understood the challenges facing young boys and men in society including issues with relationships, consent, societal expectations, and perspectives on mental health. We have also learned that while young boys can be vilified by society due to stereotypes, they are also struggling and feel lost with where to turn, reinforcing the need for this important work. This programme is particularly important in a society where girls feel unsafe and provides meaningful evidence of the need to work with both boys and girls in tackling inequality, misogyny and in understanding the mental health struggles of young people today.

To refer into this programme, please contact megan.gwilliam@ymcacardiff.wales or Elizabeth.bacon@ymcacardiff.wales for more information.