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YPAS - Open Access Group Sessions

YPAS - Open Access Group Sessions - Across 3 Community Hubs

  

Smarty’s

What is Smarty’s?

Smarty’s is an open access group for primary school aged children. Smarty’s provides a secure, happy and stimulating environment.

About Smarty’s

Smarty’s offers a wide range of activities including creative play, sport, fun and games etc. There is also a small snack provided during the group.

How will this service help me?

Attending Smarty’s will help you to meet and make new friends, take part in fun activities and keep happy and healthy.

You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and learn new ones in an enjoyable and friendly environment. 

Staff are always on hand to help and can support you with any problems you may be having.

 

GYRO

What is GYRO?

GYRO are award winning LGBTQ+ youth groups for children & young people aged 12-25 years, who may be exploring sexuality and/or gender identity. GYRO has existed in some form since 1976 making it one of the oldest LGBTQ+ youth provisions in the country (as far as we can see)!

We have a group for secondary school age 12-16 years old.

Every Tuesday- 4.30pm-6pm.

We have a group for college age and up for 16-25 years old.

Every Thursday- 5.30pm-7.00pm.

About GYRO

GYRO offers age appropriate youth groups for children and young people aged 12-25 years old, who are exploring sexuality or gender identity, or identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or (+) another part of the rainbow family.

There are opportunities to take part in fun activities in our weekly drop-in as well as learn about our wonderful diverse community in age appropriate ways or go on trips out or partner with local artists, performers or organisations to provide unique bespoke activities for our community. Some people that attend are quiet and arty and some are louder and performance minded, all personalities welcome!

How will this service help me?

We know our groups can help you grow confidence, self-esteem, self-acceptance, understanding of diversity and difference, become passionate about your community, feel safe and respected. You can make new friends, learn new things, try new experiences and activities designed to be inclusive of your identity.

Attending an LGBTQ+ youth group like GYRO is a great way to feel less isolated, make new friends with similar identities and grow your self-acceptance and confidence.

The hardest part is coming through the door! We know this can be scary but a member of staff will be there to welcome you in and take you to a confidential space to register with us and give you a chance to ask questions.

 

THE Action Youth

THE* (Trans Health Education) Action Youth group project is aimed at young people aged 12-18 who identify as trans or gender non-conforming, whose gender identity does not match with the one given to them from birth, or young people who are questioning their gender identity.

Who is THE Action Youth for?

Anyone aged 10-25 whose gender identity is different to how others see it, or is questioning their gender identity. This could be someone whose gender identity does not match their biological sex. 

What is THE Action Youth?

‘THE’ stands for Trans* Health Education. 

This group is specifically focused on gender identity which enables young people to realise that they are not the only ones who feel this way. It can also provide you with specific and relevant information to meet your needs. THE Action Youth provides a safe space to express and explore yourself in an understanding and accepting environment. You will be surrounded by like-minded people who are willing to share their experiences and provide peer support. Supporting you Staff qualified in Youth work, Social work and Information Advice and Guidance will facilitate a range of session based on the needs you have.

This may include:

  • Coming out and Social transition
  • Medical transition and access to medical services
  • Exploring who you are
  • Overcoming difficulties in school
  • How to talk to your family about being trans*
  • Coping with dysphoria (unhappiness with your body and gender not matching)
  • Breaking down isolation

The group session: Wednesday 4pm-6pm (12-18 year olds). One-to-one support is available through the week (10-25 year olds).

Who to contact

Contact Name
Young Person's Advisory Service (YPAS)
Telephone
E-mail
support@ypas.org.uk
Website
https://ypas.org.uk/

Where to go

Name
Young Person's Advisory Service (YPAS)
Address
36, Bolton Street
Liverpool
Merseyside
Postcode
L3 5LX
Notes

We have 3 Community hubs across Liverpool:

  • YPAS Central Hub 36 Bolton Street, Liverpool, L3 5LX
  • YPAS Plus North Hub Croxdale Road West, Liverpool, L14 8YA
  • YPAS Plus South Hub Lyndene Road, Liverpool, L25 1NG

Time / Date Details

When is it on
We offer weekly open access, drop in groups across our 3 community hubs. Please see our website for the latest opening information
Session Information
https://ypas.org.uk/services/whats-on-calendar/

Other Details

Availability

Other notes

YPAS is a Merseyside based Charity, Established in 1966. We serve a population of over 150,000 children and young people. We support children and young people aged 5 – 25 years  and families to address their mental health and emotional well-being difficulties.

YPAS is a Youth Information Advice and Counselling Service (YIACS) that provides free, accessible and age-appropriate support to young people with a wide range of issues. YIACS are driven by the needs of children and young people.

Our services are delivered across Merseyside in venues that include, primary and secondary schools, our three locality community hubs, GP surgeries, and education settings etc.

Our therapy Service provides a wide range of counselling and psychotherapy interventions designed to help address those issues that impact mental health and emotional wellbeing. Common presenting issues include: anxiety, depression, bullying, self-harm, bereavement, sexual abuse, family-related issues, emotional abuse, neglect, bereavement, grief, loss, domestic violence, hearing voices, etc.

Our wellbeing Service provides a wide range of support and low intensity evidence based interventions designed to address the impact of mental health and emotional wellbeing. The service also provides open access groups, drop-in activities and information, advice and guidance. Common presenting issues include: anger, isolation, confidence, self-esteem, family- related issues, education, housing, benefits, etc. In addition the service provides targeted support to LGBTQ+ young people who are exploring their sexuality and/or gender identity.

Local Offer

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