Creating Spaces Where Every Child Belongs

At YMCA Bellshill & Mossend, we often talk about creating spaces where children, young people and families feel supported, included and valued. For me, nowhere is that more important than in our work with children and young people with additional support needs through Y-Connect and the wider ASN support we provide across the organisation. 

Over the last few years, we have seen a huge increase in the number of families looking for support that is flexible, understanding and accessible. Many parents and carers tell us they feel exhausted from constantly having to explain their child’s needs, fight for support, or worry about whether their child will be accepted in community spaces. That should never be the norm. 

One of the biggest lessons we have learned is that inclusion is not about creating a completely separate world for children and young people with additional support needs. It is about adapting environments, listening properly, reducing barriers and making community spaces work for everyone. Sometimes that means sensory-friendly activities, smaller group sizes or more flexible approaches to participation. Sometimes it simply means creating an environment where families do not feel judged. 

Y-Connect was developed because we recognised that many traditional activities did not work for every child. Families were telling us they wanted spaces where their children could play, explore and interact without pressure or unrealistic expectations. They wanted somewhere they could attend without fear of being asked to leave because their child was overwhelmed, distressed or communicating differently. 

What started as a relatively small programme has become one of the most important parts of our work. Every week we see children build confidence in ways that might seem small to others but are hugely significant for families. A child joining a group activity for the first time. A young person feeling comfortable enough to communicate with staff. A parent staying for a full session because they finally feel understood rather than anxious. These moments matter. 

What is also important is recognising that ASN support should not sit in isolation. It should run through the whole organisation. We try to make that part of our culture rather than a standalone service. That means our youth work staff learning how to adapt sessions. It means understanding sensory needs when planning activities. It means thinking differently about communication. It means accepting that behaviour is often communication and responding with empathy rather than punishment. 

There is also a wider issue that needs discussed more openly. Many community organisations want to improve ASN provision but simply do not have the resources, training or sustainable funding to do it properly. Too often, funding only supports short-term projects when what families really need is consistent, long-term support they can rely on. 

Community organisations are increasingly filling gaps that families experience elsewhere. That can be positive because local organisations are often trusted and relationship-based, but it also creates pressure. Sustainable ASN provision requires trained staff, suitable spaces, specialist equipment, smaller staff-to-child ratios and ongoing development. None of that comes without cost. 

Despite these challenges, I remain incredibly hopeful. 

I believe community-based ASN support has the potential to change lives when it is built around dignity, flexibility and relationships. I believe families deserve spaces where they feel welcomed rather than accommodated as an afterthought. I believe children and young people with additional support needs should have the same opportunities to connect, learn, play and thrive within their communities. 

Most importantly, I believe we need to keep listening to families themselves. They are the experts in their own experiences. Some of the best changes we have made at YMCA Bellshill & Mossend have come directly from conversations with parents, carers and young people telling us honestly what works and what does not. 

Y-Connect is still developing and learning. We do not claim to have all the answers. But we are committed to continuing to adapt, improve and respond to the needs of the families who walk through our doors. 

For us, ASN support is not an add-on. It is part of building a fairer, more inclusive community where every child and young person has the opportunity to belong.