The World-Renowned YMCA
For over 180 years, through profound societal shifts, the YMCA 
has stood 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 recognisable youth-focussed movements in the world. Now operating in over 120 countries, YMCA supports more than 64 million people each year, empowering individuals through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
In the UK, YMCA works in more than 700 communities, offering everything from accommodation and education to health initiatives and training. It is renowned for its inclusive, values-driven approach to championing young people – particularly those on the margins – and helping them develop the skills and confidence to thrive.
“Kloodle gives our young people a voice – a space to recognise their achievements, reflect on their journey and build a sense of pride in whom they are becoming. It’s not just a platform; it’s a powerful tool for confidence, connection and future readiness.” YMCA Manchester Team.
Manchester YMCA: A Lifeline For Young People In The Region
Manchester YMCA has been part of the fabric of Manchester for 180 years working to support many of the most vulnerable young people in society. Manchester YMCA believe that all children and young people should be given the chance to reach their full potential and see their role as facilitators of resilience whilst building the young people’s talents and interests, and their social development.
The current focus of Manchester YMCA work is psycho-educational and therapeutic interventions, using an interactive person-centred approach to address mental health issues, reinforce positive body image and build self-esteem, communication skills and self-efficacy.
Manchester YMCA has worked with mainstream schools and colleges for many years to provide support to young people facing particularly acute and complex challenges. Growing demand and the opening of new purpose-built premises – the Park View Education Hub in Whalley Range – has enabled them to extend their training and education programmes for KS4 and KS5 students to include alternative provision for KS3 students, enabling young people to achieve the best possible outcomes during their education and a smooth, well-prepared transition back to mainstream education.
Manchester YMCA deliver their interventions from a high-quality city centre base , which has purpose-built classrooms and state-of-the-art facilities. It has access to the largest leisure centre in Manchester city centre with a fully-equipped gym, sports hall and swimming pool.
Education And Training At The Heart Of Alternative Provision
Manchester YMCA offers a combination of mentoring and one-to-one provision, which allows them to build relationships, nurture, mentor and respond fully to the unique needs of every individual. Each young person receives a tailored package which includes educational qualifications, personal mentoring and work experience, according to their needs, abilities and interests.
Through their therapeutic work and specialism in mental health, Manchester YMCA pays particular attention to supporting young people with their mental health and well-being, identifying helpful strategies to deal with life’s challenges. They are flexible in their approach particularly for those with SEND/SEMH and those who struggle to manage in certain environments. For young people with complex issues, Manchester YMCA offers a customised package tailored to their unique needs adapting programmes, tasks and activities to meet a wide range of needs and learning styles.
Enter Kloodle: Empowering Reflection and Skills’ Recognition
To support this journey, Manchester YMCA uses Kloodle — a digital portfolio platform which helps students log progress, develop key skills, and reflect on their growth.
Kloodle allows students to record experiences through multimedia — from photos and videos to written blogs and voice notes — capturing moments that demonstrate their development, both academic and personal. The process helps them see their value beyond traditional qualifications.
Mentors guide students in using Kloodle as a reflective tool. Whether they’ve led a group project, managed a difficult situation, or created something new, students log the activity and tag the skills they’ve used. Mentors can then offer feedback and set tasks through the platform.
Together, they reflect on progress, emotions and future aspirations. It’s a process which builds metacognitive awareness, that is helping young people learn how to learn and to take ownership of their development.
Building Confidence and Possibility
Kloodle transforms the everyday into something powerful. For a young person who’s been labelled a failure, recognising they demonstrated leadership, or resilience can be life changing. The platform allows that recognition to be celebrated and shared.
Its accessible, visual interface means that even those with lower literacy can participate fully. Real-time profiles allow young people to see their growth, reinforcing self-belief and motivation.
By weaving Kloodle into its mentoring model, Manchester YMCA ensures that young people aren’t just supported — they’re seen, heard, and empowered.
Bridging the Gap Between Informal Learning and Opportunity
Crucially, Kloodle also helps young people prepare for the future. Whether 
they’re applying for college, an apprenticeship, or their first job, their Kloodle portfolio acts as a living CV — a record not just of what they’ve done, but who they’ve become.
For local authorities and educators, Manchester YMCA provides a compelling example of how alternative provision can be delivered with dignity, creativity, and impact. Their collaboration with Kloodle proves that when young people are given the right tools and trusted relationships, they can overcome immense challenges — and build futures full of possibility.
In a world that often overlooks vulnerable youth, Manchester YMCA and Kloodle are showing what’s possible when we choose to see – and support – the potential in every young person.
If you would like a demo of Kloodle please book it here: https://calendly.com/kloodle/30min?back=1
Or, alternatively, contact me at neil@kloodle.com
