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Find Your Voice (FYV)

Empowering young people’s voices and creating youth clubs in Southend and beyond.

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About the project

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Find Your Voice (FYV) is a youth-led initiative funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Our mission is to create safe spaces where young people can develop life skills, build friendships, and make a lasting impact by sharing their views on local and national issues.

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FYV empowers young people aged 10–24 to speak up, take action, and shape their communities. We provide opportunities, resources, and support to help them thrive and drive positive change.

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Why FYV Works

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We understand the importance of young people’s voices in shaping our communities. That’s why we provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can develop, grow, and thrive.

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Our Principles

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FYV Principles:

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PASSION - Discover what inspires you and fuels your ambitions.

VOICE - Understand the power of your voice and how it can influence change.

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ACTION - Take steps to make a real difference in your community.

SKILLS – Learn new skills that will shape your future.             

WELLBEING– Prioritise your mental and physical health for a happier life.

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We track progress using nationally recognised frameworks to evidence growth, engagement, and wellbeing.

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What We Offer

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Our Find Your Voice project offers a variety of youth sessions and opportunities:

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Youth Clubs

• Student Drop-In

• 18–24 Drop-In

• Youth Board

• Youth Clubs (ages 11–17)

• Home Education Youth Clubs

• Southend Youth Network (Professionals’ Meeting)

• Brighter Future – 6-week course

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Online

• FYV Website 

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Detached Work

• Street-Based Youth Work

• Schools & Colleges

• Youth Events

• Holiday Activities

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Volunteering

• Youth Clubs

• Detached Work

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Safeguarding & Standards

All sessions are delivered by Southend YMCA youth workers trained in:

• Youth work and trauma-informed practice

• Safeguarding and child protection

• First aid

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All staff hold Enhanced DBS checks and follow Southend YMCA’s safeguarding policies.

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How It Works

To sign up for our youth clubs, please use the referral link at the bottom of the page. 

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Funding 

We are currently funded by The National Lottery, with funding ending in May 2026.​

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Impact & Testimonials

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For over five years, Find Your Voice has transformed young people’s lives through online engagement, detached work, and youth clubs.

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Recent Achievements (2025):

• 1,450 young people attended our youth clubs.

• 2,450 young people and families engaged at community events.

• 2,300 hours of youth work delivered in Southend & Leigh-on-Sea.

• 125 young people gave feedback through our survey.

• 40 partners attended our youth network event.

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Measured Outcomes:

• 14 young people agreed their confidence improved since attending our youth clubs.

• 15 young people developed new skills through participation.

• 16 young people reported improved wellbeing.

• 12 strongly agreed their quality of life improved due to FYV.

• 13 strongly agreed they are aware of youth provision in their area.

• 11 agreed they feel involved in shaping sessions or their community.

• 22 young people expressed that Southend YMCA (FYV) made a positive impact on their lives.

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What People Say 

"Since joining the youth club, my confidence has grown and I’ve made new friends. It’s a great place to relax and take part in activities." — Young Participant

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"The Youth Club has made a big impact. I’ve made new friends and I’m in a happy place." — Young Participant

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"The YMCA has helped me build confidence." — Young Participant

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"Our son is very shy, so we encouraged him to join the youth club to make new friendships. It’s been very positive – he’s made friends and improved his confidence." — Parent

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"What a great session yesterday. So many links made at the network event. Wonderful. Thank you." — Targeted Youth Services Team Manager

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Contact Us

📧 Email: fyv@southendymca.org.uk

📍 Address:Southend YMCA

85 Ambleside Drive

Southend-on-Sea

Essex SS1 2FY

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How we can help

FYV supports young peoples' personal, social and political development and equips them with the skills they need to deliver community projects, influence decisions locally and nationally to make a positive contribution towards tackling the issues they care about.