Pillar 1:
Community
Wellbeing
1 in 7
young people aged 5-19 worldwide experience a mental health disorder (UN/WHO)
36%
of young people report being in a physical fight in the past year (WHO)
1.8 billion
adults are at risk of disease from not doing enough physical activity (WHO)
YMCA Pillar Film on Community Wellbeing
Strong communities are at the heart of a thriving society. This film highlights how YMCAs are creating spaces, programmes and opportunities that support the physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing of individuals and communities, helping people connect, belong and flourish together.
Our three Community Wellbeing goals
Our Belief
The YMCA believes that every person should have the means to grow and thrive in body, mind and spirit, while taking care of their individual and collective wellbeing.
Our Pledge
By 2030 the YMCA will co-create, provide and advocate for high-quality, relevant and sustainable health and wellbeing solutions to young people and communities worldwide.
Our case studies and projects
Take a look at some of the ways we address Community Wellbeing
A global review of programmes submitted by national and local YMCAs in response to the Vision 2030 call — projects that empower young people, strengthen communities, and lead the change in body, mind, and spirit.
Our Community Wellbeing work in action
HIV: Health rights and human rights
Health Advocacy & Access
The SDR (Stigma and Discrimination Reduction) programme works to reduce HIV, TB, and STI infections by promoting understanding, breaking stigma, and amplifying the voices of those too often ignored. YMCA Athlone listens to key and vulnerable communities, standing beside them as they fight for their health and human rights. Because people now feel heard and supported, more are seeking care. In 2023/24 alone, 2,200 individuals were screened for Tuberculosis and/or Sexually Transmitted Infections, and 470 were referred for HIV testing—opening doors to life-changing treatments like AntiRetroviral Treatment and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It has also helped document and refer cases of human rights violations, ensuring no one is left to face discrimination alone. By bringing mobile clinics directly into communities, treatment is made not only available but also accessible.
Empowering through sport
Mentorship & Inclusion for Youth
Doing Sport Differently (DSD) is a community sports initiative that empowers young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to access inclusive, adapted physical activity. Delivered across five SEND schools and community clubs in Lincolnshire, DSD has reached over 150 youth, fostering confidence, wellbeing, and academic engagement. Participants, many from areas of high deprivation, gain life skills, peer support, and self-belief through tailored sports programming. The project also nurtures young leaders, as older participants support newer ones. With its emphasis on accessibility, voice, and empowerment, DSD has become a safe and joyful space where sport serves as a gateway to improved mental health, belonging, and personal growth.
Our latest Community Wellbeing news
Our Community Wellbeing videos
Video
20 January 2025
Supporting Ukrainian refugees – Since 2022 YMCA Europe has worked with the YMCAs of Ukraine, Slovakia, Romania, Moldova and other countries to support 396,000 people affected by the war in Ukraine.
Building mental health in Latin America – The ‘Eleva’ programme is implemented by 7 YMCAs and has supported more than 1400 young people and key mentoring adults since 2022.
Video
12 May 2025
Building mental health in Latin America – The ‘Eleva’ programme is implemented by 7 YMCAs and has supported more than 1400 young people and key mentoring adults since 2022.
Feature Story
Community Wellbeing: What does it mean for YMCAs?
When we talk about the four Pillars of Impact of YMCA Vision 2030 – Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet and Just World – we understand the words. But do we know what they really mean?
Read the full story