Reigate and Redhill YMCA have a close working partnership with Surrey Connexions that enables us to deliver special services for young people from local schools. We currently have 2 Connexions PAs working with Warwick, St Bedes, Reigate and Oakwood schools to support young people in Years 10 and 11 through alternative education programmes. 

Vocational and career based advice is delivered through both 1:1 and group work with young people.  Route 4 is a good example of how alternative education projects can benefit young people and also be of benefit to the local community.

The YMCA’s Connexions Personal Advisor, together with The Warwick School has set up an alternative education programme for 6 girls who benefit from a varied off-site curriculum. This gives the students a day out of school, once a week, for 2 years to learn personal development and life skills. 

The students begin the programme in year 10 and complete the programme at the end of year 11. They gain qualifications in the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness, Wider Key Skills, and an Open College Network qualification in healthy living. 

As part of the programme the students run the YMCA café. The students complete all tasks associated with the running of a café from preparing the food, taking orders, to serving the customers and handling the money.

‘It’s a more enjoyable way of learning and has been a great way to meet new people’ says Chantal aged 15.

Route 4 students also run the Monday Club at Portland House, for elderly residents.  Students and residents both benefit through a weekly quiz, traditional games, trips out and some girls have learnt to knit!  Such is the success of Route 4 they have received a Princes Trust Award for Inspiring Leaders, a real boost to girls who may not have done well in school.  Read more.