YWCA England & Wales

what we do

YWCA West Kent

YWCA West Kent welcomes all girls and women to its centre in Tonbridge.

We work with them to build their self-esteem and encourage them to try new things, speak up, make decisions and share their opinions.  We also run programmes at venues across West Kent and are developing our work in Thanet.

We run programmes for young women who may have dropped out of school or have low aspirations; who have been bullied or abused; isolated or unemployed; young mums; and those using alcohol and drugs.

All our activities are designed to be fun and build confidence. We offer:

• informal and accredited education programmes in relaxed women-only group sessions on maths, English,  foundation skills, ICT including digital photography, using the internet, and shopping online
• accredited personal safety courses for women
• healthy living programmes including practical cookery sessions
• opportunities to take part, develop skills to get opinions heard
• free condoms and pregnancy and chlamydia screening drop-in and courses for young women
• after-school activity groups
• peer education programmes
• support for women in abusive relationships
• support for women in the criminal justice system
• activities and support for teen parents and parents to be – midwife access
• Entry to employment , a programme for 16- to 18-year-olds
• On Track - a programme for under 16s who are not attending mainstream education regularly
• girls' project – full-time alternative curriculum
• individual information, advice and guidance
• support with making job applications, writing CVs, and seeking work
• tenancy training
• money management
• film-making on subjects which matter to young people. See them on You Tube!
• opportunities to volunteer at the centre and intergenerational volunteering for young women under the V awards scheme
• registered OFSTED onsite crèche
• courses specifically for young mums and pregnant teenagers. We teach parenting skills and offer support, information and the chance to get their work accredited

We always strive to achieve high standards in our work and are quality assured as follows:

• IAG Matrix Accredited
• BS EN ISO9001:2000
• Investing in Volunteers