02 February 2023

YMCA Dublin was delighted to welcome Minister O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to its Community Hub on Aungier Street on Wednesday, 1st of February 2023.

During the visit, YMCA Dublin and Minister O’Gorman discussed the importance of access to childcare services and how supports such as the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) have a positive impact on families in disadvantaged communities. YMCA Dublin also shared its strategy to build more hubs in communities in need over the next five years. These hubs will be focused on supporting young people, children, individuals and families to reach their potential.

Kathryn O’Mahony, CEO of YMCA Dublin said: “I am delighted to welcome Minister O’Gorman to YMCA Dublin, to see first-hand the support we offer directly to families and children. The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) has been particularly beneficial for so many children and families in need and has helped us to deliver cost effective and sponsored childcare placements. Out of a total of 169 childcare spaces, our Aungier St Childcare service has 34 sponsored childcare spaces for more vulnerable children in society. This ratio is far from typical in the broader childcare industry but it is core to YMCA’s family support approach and provision of truly accessible childcare for all. We appreciate Minister O’Gorman giving us his time to discuss our strategic plan, our five-year vision, and our accessible service.”

Minister O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said: “It is inspiring to see first-hand the great work that charities like YMCA Dublin do supporting youth and families in the local community. The National Childcare Scheme benefits more than 105,000 children in the country and supports families with childcare costs. We would like to thank YMCA Dublin for welcoming me to their community hub and for sharing more about the great work that they do.”

YMCA Dublin has an extensive history of engaging with local communities and working with young people, adults and families in need of support. Through Youthwork, PlusOne mentoring, community work, Childcare and community employment, YMCA Dublin supports the development of skills, experiences, relationships and behaviours for healthy, confident and successful futures.

For more information on the work of YMCA Dublin and its programmes, please visit www.YMCA.ie