Open-Access Youth Work
Open-Access Youth Work at Southend YMCA
At Southend YMCA, we deliver a range of open access youth work provision, giving young people safe, welcoming spaces to connect, build confidence and access support.
Funded through the Million Hours Fund - a jointly funded initiative from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and The National Lottery Community Fund - our offer includes creative sessions, skills development and flexible drop-in support.From music workshops in our All In studio to daytime support through Landing Pad, young people can explore their interests, develop new skills and take positive steps forward in a supportive, youth-led environment.
*Attendees are encouraged to check availability online in advance:
Need Help? Speak to the YMCA today
Email: info@southendymca.org.uk
Phone: 01702 301 301
The Landing Pad
Open-Access Youth Space - Drop in. Create. Connect.
The Landing Pad is our open-access youth space, providing a safe and supportive environment for young people to access guidance, build confidence and explore their next steps.
It acts as a ‘front door’ into YMCA support, helping young people connect with opportunities, services and pathways that meet their needs.
Who it’s for
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Ages 16–18
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Up to 25 for young people with SEND
(Most daytime sessions are currently accessed by young people aged 16+)
When it runs
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Monday to Thursday - 11am to 4pm
What makes Landing Pad different
The Landing Pad is an open access youth work provision with managed capacity and targeted outreach.
This means:
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No formal referral is required
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Sessions are openly accessible and inclusive
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Support is shaped around young people
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Capacity is managed safely to ensure quality support
What you can get support with
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CV writing and job searching
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Applications and interview preparation
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College, courses and training pathways
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Maths, English and revision support
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Driving theory
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Creative projects
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Confidence building
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Planning your next steps
A youth-led space
Landing Pad is built around co-production, meaning young people are actively involved in shaping activities and sessions.
More than a drop-in
The Landing Pad connects young people into wider support, including:
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1:1 guidance from youth workers
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Signposting to mentoring and wellbeing services
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Opportunities across YMCA programmes
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Outreach and community engagement
How to attend
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Sessions take place at Southend YMCA, Newlands, with places available to drop in.
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Attendees are encouraged to check availability online in advance:
*Attendees are encouraged to check availability online in advance:
📍 Southend YMCA, Newlands, 85 Ambleside Drive, SS1 2FY
All In Music
Open-Access Sessions - Create. Collaborate. Be heard.
All In Music is our open-access music provision, offering young people the chance to explore creativity, develop skills and collaborate with others in a fully equipped studio.
Whether you’re new to music or already developing your sound, sessions provide a supportive environment to build confidence and express yourself.
What’s on offer
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Build-a-Band (14-16)
Mondays, 4pm-6pm -
DJ Workshops (16-21)
Tuesdays, 5pm-6:30pm -
Home Education Group (14-16)
Wednesdays, 2:30pm-4:30pm -
Women’s Session (16-21)
Wednesdays, 5pm-7pm -
Open Studio Drop-In (16-21)
Fridays, 11am-3pm -
LGBTQ+ Session (16-21)
Fridays, 3pm-5pm
Why get involved?
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Learn music and studio skills
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Build confidence and creativity
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Meet like-minded people
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Access a professional studio space
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Be part of an inclusive, supportive environment
Get involved
Spaces are limited, so booking is recommended.
*Attendees are encouraged to check availability online in advance:
📍 Southend YMCA, Newlands, 85 Ambleside Drive, SS1 2FY
Need Help? Speak to the YMCA today
Email: info@southendymca.org.uk
Phone: 01702 301 301