Y’s Up

Halton YMCA established Y's Up,

a bespoke information, advice and guidance service in 1997. This service initially sought to support current and previous residents who had moved on to independent living but who still need advice and assistance, to find work or suitable training opportunities.

Halton Y's Up

Helping Homeless People Back Into Work

More recently the IAG support offered by Halton YMCA, through Y's Up, has spread throughout its entire Association and currently services students on foundation learning programmes, Night Stop clients, Hostel residents (past and present)and the community of Halton. Operating from Alcock Street in Runcorn Town Centre, since 1999, the service is ideally located to serve the needs of the local community.

National Lottery Funded

Originally funded by the National Lottery and other grants and income streams the service developed to support a growing number of people. In 2007 the Y's Up project successfully applied to Halton Borough Council via its Supporting People special projects contract and since then the project has been funded from SP and has gone from strength to strength.

Trust Based Relationship with Each Individual

The service is very bespoke and tailored to the individual needs of the service user. Each service user will work with a member of staff initially to explore their individual needs and put in place an action plan which will address the needs in hand. Recognising the sensitivities of many issues and the emotional stress felt by many of the service users Halton YMCA offers a 'hands on' empathetic approach that seeks to build a trust based relationship with each individual.

Community Support

In the delivery of this service since 1997 the organisation and its advice and guidance staff in particular have developed their skills, knowledge and experience which in turn has supported the development of the service. In addition Y's Up has created strong local links with organisations and agencies to whom they can refer service users and indeed work with to enhance the service offered.

Within the Halton YMCA structure Y's Up also successfully works with other projects and departments including the Night Stop project and the Training and Housing Departments.

Professional Advice and Guidance

Halton YMCA gained the Matrix Standard. This is the recognized advice and guidance Kitemark. In 2011 this was reviewed and the service was re accredited for a further 3 years.

What The Service Offers

Specifically the service offers a wide range of information, advice and guidance including:

  • Debt Management
  • Signposting Training Opportunities
  • Housing Issues
  • Back to Work Job Support, including assistance with the preparation of CV's and job application forms.

Transporter Bridge House

As stated the project works with current Halton Lodge residents, ex-residents and due to growing demand, the wider community of Halton. Due to demand we opened a similar advice and guidance facility at Transporter Bridge House in Widnes. This facility serves West Bank community and neighbouring areas.