New “Wacky” forest takes root at our YMCA
This week we were delighted to welcome children from Manadon Vale Primary School to plant the very first trees in our new ‘wacky’ micro-forest located at the side of our car park.
Pupils planted hundreds of new shrubs and trees in the area set to become a thriving space of bio-diversity. Known as a Miyawaki forest, the special planting method means the space will absorb carbon as efficiently as a much bigger traditional forest. Children’s learning resources, including educational books about the “wacky” forest, are being used as part of the project to help children to learn more about the space and how to care for our green environment.
The new forest has been made possible thanks to sponsors The Plymouth Round Table, a contribution from the International Tree Foundation and huge support from YGS Landscapes Ltd.
The space is still under development, with other schools and community groups getting involved in the planting in the weeks to come.
Click here to learn more about our green projects at YMCA Plymouth
Laura’s London run helps raise funds for YMCA mental health support
In an amazing effort to raise funds for our mental health work at YMCA Plymouth and in memory of her friend Jake, Laura Webber sped across the finish line of the London Marathon as part of her big running challenge. Laura has raised an amazing £1,500 so far in her efforts to fundraise for our work. Laura’s friend Jake tragically took his own life after struggling with his mental health in 2020 and Laura wanted to run in his memory and support YMCA after hearing about our men’s mental health group, Every Man Matters.
After completing her marathon she isn’t done yet, as she’s due to run the Plymouth Half this May before racing through the streets of Madrid at the end of the year. As a small thank you for her latest efforts, we presented her with some flowers and one of our esteemed Marvellous Creations Awards when she visited us this week!
If you want to support Laura’s challenge and find out more please visit her Just Giving page here.
Come to our next Open Day at Discovery College
Discovery College is hosting its latest Open Day for Year 11’s considering their next steps for September 2023.
The Open Day will be held on 17th May at 4.30pm – 6pm.
As we head towards the summer it’s not too late to make a decision and apply for one of our vocational courses in; Business, Childcare, Travel & Tourism, Sport, Health & Social Care, Performing Arts or Public Services.
Visiting for an Open Day is a great chance to see our learning facilities, speak to staff and find out more about our award-winning Level 2 and 3 courses for 16-18s.
Visit our website to register now.
Enter our Ocean City Soft Play photo competition and win a free session with a snack and a drink!
Do you and your child enjoy coming to our Ocean City Soft Play area? Then enter our photo competition to win yourself a free session and a treat! Whether they’re splashing down the Tinside lido slide, charging around the Smeaton’s tower spinner or climbing Drake’s island in our babies’ area – post your best photos of them in our soft play on social media and tag us to enter!
Click here to view the full competition entry rules and terms & conditions. Good luck!
May / June Holiday Club bookings now open
Booking is now available for our next Holiday Club running from 29th May – 2nd June!
As always there will be plenty of fun activities rain or shine throughout the week (including the bank holiday) for ages 8-16.
Book now
Join Y-Start to gain work experience and qualifications
Are you looking to improve your job prospects and looking for a way to gain experience while also picking up some qualifications?
Our Y-Start programme is a new volunteering programme that allows you to give back while gaining real skills to help your job prospects.
Can you give us a review?
If you have used our centre for any of our services or joined us recently, we’d love to hear from you. Please click below, we’d really appreciate it!
