Project work for our communities!
Our projects at YMCO respond to real community needs. Each is designed to create accessible spaces, programs and services that reflect the people we serve and the communities we support. Through thoughtful planning and community collaboration, our project work helps remove barriers, expand opportunity, and ensure YMCO remains a welcoming place for everyone.
Below are some of the ways our project based approach creates meaningful impact across ethnically diverse communities:
- Community-informed design – Projects are shaped by local voices, ensuring programs and spaces reflect cultural values, traditions, and lived experiences.
- Improved access and equity – Project work focuses on reducing financial, physical, and social barriers that can limit participation for underrepresented groups.
- Culturally responsive – Projects support programs that respect and celebrate different languages, backgrounds, and family structures.
- Stronger trust and belonging – Visible investment in diverse neighborhoods builds confidence, connection, and a sense of ownership within the community.
- Adaptability to changing needs – Project based initiatives allow us to respond quickly to evolving demographics and community priorities.
- Long term community impact – By addressing root challenges through targeted projects, we help create sustainable outcomes for families and future generations.
Earlier this week Welsh Government representatives visited us as part of the Community Facilities Programme application.
October 20, 2025
During the visit, we provided an overview of YMCO’s journey, how the organisation started, how it has developed over the years, and how it continues to evolve in response to the needs of our community. We discussed our current projects, highlighting the impact of our work and shared our future plans for the YMCO Hub,…
What lively session this week! It was amazing to see so many children and new families come together again, the energy was brilliant!
October 19, 2025
We got creative with 60 portions of pottery clay, made 100 sandwiches together , and enjoyed 45 hot chocolates topped with whipped squirty cream a definite favourite! Our story time with our reader was another highlight. The children chose the story themselves and took turns reading as a way to build confidence and listening A…
Boys U11 Sports Skills is on this Sunday – 19th October!
October 17, 2025
Why join us? It’s : Free Fun Friendship don’t worry about the rain – the session will take place inside the marquee in bad weather! Please remember to register if you wish to attend : https://forms.gle/CdjZWk7ua5rMnJC86 Make sure to bring water with you!
We are now at the halfway point of our crochet workshop series and the group are making excellent progress!
October 17, 2025
During this session, the group continued developing their individual pieces, building on the techniques introduced in Week 1. Skill levels are growing steadily, and many projects are now visibly taking shape. Everyone benefited from a supportive environment with opportunities for both group learning and one to one guidance with Naheda, our creative facilitator. This tailored…
Today, The Wellbeing Patch had the pleasure of visiting Adult Learning Wales ESOL learners
October 14, 2025
Today, The Wellbeing Patch had the pleasure of visiting Adult Learning Wales ESOL learners and it was a beautiful blend of language, wellbeing and creativity! The ALW learners explored wellbeing vocabulary by: Learning the meaning Finding the equivalent in their own language Using it in their ESOL practice They were also introduced to essential oils,…
Rahm Within session
October 12, 2025
At todays Rahm Within session, the group spent time exploring the root word of “Rahm” (womb/mercy) to deepen our connection and understanding. We began building a basic foundation of women’s wellness looking at the importance of the different phases and the role of the womb. To refresh ourselves, we had tea, rose and cardamom herbal…
Todays Chai & Chat Parents Carer wellbeing group for ALN/Autistic Children
October 11, 2025
Todays Chai & Chat Parents Carer wellbeing group for ALN/Autistic Children, co hosted by YMCO and Autism’s Hidden Voices, was a meaningful opportunity to bring families together in a supportive environment. The group enjoyed breakfast from Mamus Chai while engaging in open and honest conversations. Everyone was encouraged to share dialogue, share experiences, discuss challenges…
Swipe through for some Gupshup moments!
October 11, 2025
This group has become a space for connection and growth and its been over a year since the ladies have been attending. Here’s what makes it so special : We show up for each other, listen, share, and feel understood. Whether we’re crafting, chatting, or just chilling, it’s the perfect break from daily routines. We…
We had a lovely time with the Gupshup ladies today!
October 10, 2025
We spent the session painting canvases, chatting about what we have been up to and upcoming plans. It’s important to slow down, be creative and enjoy each other’s company without any stress. many of the ladies don’t get a chance to focus on a painting activity. As always, snacks and refreshments kept us going! Days…
YMCO Hub Update
October 5, 2025
We’re pleased to share that we are preparing for a visit from the Welsh Government team to introduce them to the YMCO Hub This visit is a key step in our journey to secure funding for the renovation of our community centre, transforming it into an accessible and sustainable space. During the visit, we’ll be…
A great Sports Skills session today at Rodney Parade!
October 5, 2025
The boys had a great time playing, running around and building confidence through sport. The younger children got involved in some brilliant coordination and skill activities too… lots of smiles all round! A big thank you to our volunteers Zakaria, Ya-seen and Raduana for supporting Ethan from the Dragons Community, who continues to do an…
What a brilliant day at Saturday Kids Club alhamdulilah.
October 5, 2025
We were thrilled to welcome over 60 children and families back this week! We were happy to see our families brave the cold and wind to join us! This week’s activities were a huge hit from keyring making and masking tape painting to bead jewellery making . And of course, there were plenty of games,…
Our crochet & create series has begun with the group already confident with the chain stitch !
October 3, 2025
This means they are well on their way to creating at least one complete finished piece (or even two!) to take home by the end of the workshops. Why Crochet? •A mindful activity that eases stress and supports mental wellbeing • A chance to connect, share and reduce social isolation • A creative outlet different…
Boys U11 Sports Skills is on this Sunday
October 3, 2025
Fun & active – keeps the boys moving, playing and enjoying sports. Skill building – a chance to try new sports skills in a fresh and different way. FREE & social – no cost, and a great way to make friends and be part of a team! don’t worry about the rain – the session…
It was an honour to host the Beyond the Checkpoints Youth Project alongside CADFA and Newport PSC
October 1, 2025
It was an honour to host the Beyond the Checkpoints Youth Project alongside CADFA and Newport PSC, welcoming visiting young people from Palestine as well as local settled families. The evening was a celebration of culture, understanding and togetherness. It was a youth centred event, making sure young people were at the heart of the…
*YMCO Planner – October 2025*
September 29, 2025
Booking and registration are *essential* for all activities and projects this month! Please take note of changes in regular activities and events. Rahm Within https://forms.gle/bWekPP1U5WqTCxF18 BME Boys U11 Sports Skills https://forms.gle/CdjZWk7ua5rMnJC86 Saturday Kids Club Details to be shared via Whatsapp Updates Groups (Join the group via the link below)! The Wellbeing Patch https://forms.gle/AABjdahJcEDxjbjr9 Gupshup Ladies…
The launch of Rahm Within took place as a welcoming gathering, bringing women together for wellness and connection.
September 28, 2025
The launch featured an introduction to essential oils, a practical session on making individual shea butter samples and opportunities to enjoy herbal teas and healthy snacks. The evening provided space for reflection and meaningful conversation, laying the foundation for the project’s focus on holistic wellbeing, womb health and community support. This is ideal for those…
Crochet and Create
September 26, 2025
Step away from the daily rush and indulge in a wonderfully creative morning! Join us for a hands-on crochet workshop, where over 4 relaxing sessions you’ll design and complete two beautiful handmade pieces. It’s your time to unwind, learn, and immerse yourself in the timeless craft of crochet! Venue: USW Building – Floor C, Engagement…
Chai & Chat Breakfast for Parents of ALN/Autistic Children
September 25, 2025
YMCO, in partnership with Autisms Hidden Voices, is delighted to host a Parent Chai & Chat for parents of ALN/autistic children. Come and enjoy a relaxed morning with chai and breakfast from Mamus Chai while connecting with other parents, sharing experiences, and finding support in a calm, welcoming space. Venue: USW Building – Floor 3…
Our Women’s Creative Family Shadow Box Workshop was such a joy to host
September 25, 2025
The session was fully booked, and it was wonderful to see so much interest and creativity come to life. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and took the time to make something so beautiful. We’re grateful to USW for providing the space, and to our amazing YMCO team members who work tirelessly to…
