The World-Renowned YMCA
For over 175 years, through huge societal upheavals, YMCA has been a 
beacon of hope, resilience, and transformation for young people across the globe. Founded in 1844 in London, the organisation has grown into one of the largest, oldest and most recognised youth-focussed movements in the world. With a presence in 120 countries, YMCA supports over 64 million people annually, working to empower individuals through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
In the UK, YMCA operates across more than 700 communities, offering services which range from accommodation and mental health support to education and training. The charity is famous for its inclusive, values-driven approach to championing young people, particularly those on the margins, and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.
YMCA Manchester: A Lifeline For Young People In The Region
One of those communities is Manchester, where YMCA Manchester is a vibrant and deeply committed branch of the wider movement. Rooted in the heart of the city, it has earned a trusted reputation for working with some of the most vulnerable and disengaged young people in the region. Its mission is to inspire young people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit and it does this by providing safe spaces, tailored support and opportunities for growth.
The organisation runs a wide range of programmes including youth and community outreach, alternative education, counselling, health and wellbeing and advocacy. They are particularly focussed on helping those aged 13–25 who are experiencing tough challenges, such as poor mental health, social isolation, exclusion from school or complicated home environments. For many of the young people it serves, YMCA Manchester offers more than just a service – it’s a second chance.
Skills’ Building And Mentorship At The Core Of Alternative Provision
Alternative provision is a cornerstone of YMCA Manchester’s offer. These are learning opportunities for students who are unable to access mainstream education for various reasons, including those at risk of permanent exclusion, young people with social, emotional or mental health needs, and those facing barriers related to trauma or neglect.
YMCA Manchester’s alternative provision revolves around holistic, person-centred care. A key component is mentoring: dedicated, experienced adults, selected from outside the organisation, help young people make sense of their experiences, build resilience and develop the confidence needed to navigate life’s challenges. Mentors at YMCA Manchester don’t just offer advice; they build trust, provide emotional safety and help young people understand their own mental health. This relational approach is essential for developing the social and emotional skills which many of their students have missed out on.
As well as studying core academic subjects like Maths, English and Science, the students also participate in engaging workshops, creative projects and one-to-one sessions. The YMCA Manchester team supports young people to discover their strengths, identify goals, and build skills which are both practical and personal. These range from communication and teamwork to emotional regulation and time management.
Enter Kloodle: Powering Purposeful Reflection And Skills’ Recognition
At YMCA Manchester, Kloodle has become a vital part of this 
journey. At its core, Kloodle is a digital portfolio platform designed to help young people record evidence to support their work and progress as part of their qualifications as well as their skills’ development. Kloodle scaffolds students’ personal development, so they can reflect on their progress, and showcase their strengths through multimedia evidence, such as photos, videos and blogs. This process supports a mindset shift.
The YMCA Manchester mentors help young people to use Kloodle for reflection and growth. The young people log their activities – whether it’s attending a workshop, creating a piece of art, leading a team project or managing their emotions during a challenging situation – and tag the skills they’ve used. The mentors can also provide feedback and can set tasks remotely through Kloodle.
Together with their mentors, the young people can then reflect on what they’ve learned, how they felt and how it connects to their wider goals.
Learning Lifelong Learning
This Kloodle-powered process helps build what is referred to as “metacognitive awareness” – essentially, young people are learning how to learn. They start to see the value in their everyday actions, even when those actions don’t look traditionally academic or like what they have been doing at school. For a young person who’s been told they’re a failure, recognising that they showed leadership during a group task can be transformational.
Kloodle allows such recognition to be captured and celebrated.
The Kloodle platform’s visual, intuitive interface and assistive technology means that even those with low literacy can engage meaningfully. Students can upload photos, videos and voice notes, making the experience inclusive and engaging. They can see their profile grow in real-time, giving them a tangible sense of progress and building confidence.
Building A Future Of Possibilities
By integrating Kloodle into its mentoring model, YMCA Manchester is ensuring that young people aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving. The platform provides a structured way to record and reflect on development, while also helping YMCA mentors guide conversations more intentionally.
Importantly, Kloodle helps bridge the gap between informal learning and future opportunity. Whether a young person is preparing for college, applying for an apprenticeship, or building up the confidence to get a part-time job, their Kloodle portfolio becomes a powerful asset. It showcases who they are, not just what they’ve done, and also how they’ve grown.
For local authorities and educators, YMCA Manchester’s work offers a compelling example of how alternative provision can be delivered with dignity, creativity, and impact. Its collaboration with Kloodle is proof that when young people are given the right tools and the right support, they can overcome immense challenges and step confidently into their futures.
In a world that often fails to see the potential in vulnerable youth, Kloodle brings visibility to personal growth that often goes unseen and, together, YMCA Manchester and Kloodle are proving that everyone has a story worth telling – and a future worth building.
