Community Engagement & Partnerships
Building Connection, Collaboration, and Collective Strength
Our community work is rooted in one simple belief lasting change happens when people work together.
At YCSA, we bring families, schools, and local organisations together to tackle shared challenges like poverty, isolation, and inequality, while building strong networks of trust and belonging.
Through our community engagement projects, parents, carers, and young people come together to share experiences, celebrate culture, and access practical support.
Whether it’s a wellbeing session, a language class, or an advice group, every activity is designed to reduce isolation, strengthen resilience, and build confidence.
We also work closely with local partners from schools and youth services to housing associations and grassroots groups to make sure families have joined up access to help when they need it most.
What We Do
Our community programmes include:
- Family Wellbeing Sessions: Safe, supportive spaces for parents and cares to share experiences and learn new ways to manage stress and family pressures.
- ESOL Classes: English language sessions that build communication skills, confidence, and connection for both young people and parents.
- Advice and Advocacy Support: Helping families navigate systems such as housing, education, and benefits, and understand their rights.
- Peer Support and Volunteering: Opportunities for parents and community members to take part, build confidence, and support others.
Each initiative is shaped by the voices of those taking part. Families tell us what matters most to them and we build from there. This ensures that everything we do is relevant, inclusive, and community led.
Working Together
Partnership is at the heart of our approach.
We collaborate with Govanhill Youth Base, South East Integration Network (SEIN), Pollokshields Development Trust, local schools, and NHS Community Link Practitioner teams to co-deliver activities, share learning, and provide joined-up support.
We also work alongside organisations such as Aberlour, the Scottish Guardianship Service, British Red Cross, and Migrant Help to make sure families can access specialist help when needed.
By connecting local services and communities, we help create a safety net of understanding and trust one that catches families before they fall into crisis.
Our Impact
Each year, YCSA supports over 200 young people and families across Glasgow through community-based activities and partnerships.
Families tell us they feel:
- More connected to others in their community
- More confident in accessing help and support
- More hopeful about their family’s future
Our partnerships also help local professionals and organisations better understand the realities of BME, refugee, and asylum seeking families leading to more inclusive and culturally responsive services.
Looking Ahead
As we grow, we plan to expand our community engagement and partnership work across more areas of Glasgow, ensuring that families in diverse communities can benefit from culturally competent, trauma informed support.
We will continue to build bridges between families and services, creating spaces of understanding, dignity, and shared growth so that every family, no matter their background, can feel safe, supported, and part of a thriving community.
Impact Snapshot
- 300+ individuals supported annually
- 85% of young people report increased confidence
- 70% of parents feel more able to support their children
- 60% improved school engagement