Promoting Healthy Living
YMCAs have always stressed the link between mental and physical well being and as an organisation it has often been at the forefront of innovation whether it has been through creating new team sports such as basketball or volleyball or by piloting innovations in existing services.
HYM Project - YMCA Portadown
HYM (Healthy Young Men) aims to engage young men aged to 12-16 to engage in positive group work aimed at four key elements: togetherness, empowerment, affirmation and motivation. These key elements aim to initiate healthy conversations with young people regarding their mental health, anger and managing stress to collectively unpack their journey as young men.
2020 has been a challenging period for everyone and has had an enormous impact on the lives of our young people. Families have had to endure a period of lockdown that resulted in them remaining indoors with their children and young people.
The change of lifestyles, in particular for young men has put immense strain on their ability to deal with societal change that may impact their mental health, friendships and heightened anxiety.
As restrictions relax post-lockdown needs of young people have started to emerge. The primary focus of this groups is to engage young men aged to 12-16 to engage in positive group work aimed at four key elements: togetherness, empowerment, affirmation and motivation. These key elements aim to initiate healthy conversations with young people regarding their mental health, anger and managing stress to collectively unpack their experiences as young men during. Furthermore, utilising tools that will inspire a safe space to share, learn and develop strategies within their lives that maintain positive mental health and physical well-being. It facilitates their understanding of the support networks that are available to them, that they can be a support for others and helps them develop resilience for dealing with times of change whether that’s post-COVID-19, a transition within education or the absence of positive relationships with others.
The sessions have been designed to last for 12 weeks lasting 2 hours per session. It is recognised that the issues raised may stimulate discussion among young people and youth work staff and therefore continue after the specified time frame. These conversations are encouraged within the group and will be fluid within the session plans designed rather than adhering to a rigid plan. It is a conscious attempt to help young people gain for themselves, the knowledge, feelings and skills necessary to meet their own and others’ development needs to deal with times of change in their lives. It is underpinned by an understanding of the four developmental domains of Belonging, Mastery, Generosity and Independence and promotes a growth mindset.
Similarly, it promotes recognition of the interconnectedness and interdependence that we all have with fellow peers, family and youth work staff.
