The Annual Gathering brings together young people, staff, and volunteers from across the YMCA Movement in Ireland over two days for connection, collaboration, and inspiration.

The event will take place on November 28th & 29th at the beautiful Greenhill YMCA in Newcastle, County Down.

The Annual Gathering is the great opportunity for staff & volunteers who are interested in connecting with colleagues, sharing learning and discovering more about the wider work & impact of the YMCA.

This is a perfect opportunity for young people who are already actively involved in their local YMCA or those wanting to get more involved in YMCA regionally, nationally and internationally. We would strongly encourage you to support the participation of young leaders, youth forum/committee members and those wanting to develop further.

What You Can Expect 

Our theme for this year’s Annual Gathering is ‘A Place of Opportunity’! Drawing on our core values, this event will highlight the incredible work & impact of the YMCA across Ireland and beyond – from youth development and peacebuilding to digital creativity and vocational skills.

You can expect to:

• Connect with young people and staff from across the wider YMCA movement
• Share learning and experiences 
• Discover more about the work and impact of the YMCA
• Be inspired, have fun and enjoy the scenic setting of Greenhill

Key programme highlights include;

• Youth Hosts, Table Quiz, lots of opportunities to connect with others
• Annual General Meeting / National Updates with Guest Speaker Chris Quinn (NICCY)
• Market Place / Coffee Table Conversations with showcasing stations from across the movement
• Digital Creativity Hub, Workshops & Wellbeing

Guest Speaker

On Saturday morning we will be hosting our National AGM and we are delighted to have Chris Quinn, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People as our guest speaker – highlighting the role of Youth Voice in enhancing opportunities for young people to flourish.