YWCA Canberra

What we do

Our key areas of work are children’s services, community development, housing, youth engagement, education and training and advocacy.

Community Services

We support our community through our housing, social inclusion, community development and youth services.

Children's Services

We provide quality early childhood and school age care services that focus on positive outcomes for children and families.

Education + Training

We deliver education and training for individuals, government agencies, private businesses and community organisations.

Advocacy

We advocate to improve outcomes for women, girls and their families and communities in the ACT.

Celebrating 90 years in Canberra

YWCA Canberra is a feminist not-for-profit organisation that has provided community services and has represented women’s issues in Canberra since 1929. 2019 saw us celebrate ninety years of providing essential, quality services for women, girls and families in the ACT and surrounding regions. Our history is bound to the history of Canberra shaping itself in response to changing local, and societal contexts. See our achievements and share your story.

What's Happening

Stories from our community and our latest news.

26 October 21

Launching a Great Ydea with the Phoenix Sisters

Launching a Great Ydea with the Phoenix Sisters

26 October 21

2021 Rubik3 Canberra Women in Business Awards - Carina Zeccola

Image of Carina Zeccola presenting at our 2021 She Leads Conference 2021 Rubik3 Canberra Women in Business Awards - Carina Zeccola

18 October 21

Mental Health Month 2021 speech by Frances Crimmins

Mental Health Month 2021 speech by Frances Crimmins

Events

Our calendar of upcoming events and activities.

5pm to 6pm
1 November 2021

2021 YWCA Canberra Annual General Meeting

2021 YWCA Canberra Annual General Meeting

Online via Zoom
Free

6pm to 7pm
1 November 2021

Virtual She Leads Diploma information session

Whether you’re looking to be a leader at work, in the community or at home, discover your authentic leadership style with the She Leads Diploma.

Microsoft Teams

12am to 12am
12 November 2021

2021 She Leads High Conference

The 2021 She Leads High Conference is an enriching experience that educates and activates the potential of young women and non-binary leaders.

YWCA Membership

Our members are at the heart of everything we do. Through our members we create a community of people who share our passion for equality and social justice. By combining these common values with the talents and goodwill of our members, the possibilities are endless! Sign up to become a member.

Support Us

We believe that everyone has the right to contribute to, and share equally in, the benefits of the Canberra community’s social, cultural and economic development. Help us make that a reality, donate today.

Social

Want to know what we’re up to, what inspires us and what has us thinking and talking?
Follow YWCA Canberra on your favourite social media platform.

ACCESSING YWCA CANBERRA DURING LOCKDOWN 

ACT Government has announced a snap lockdown commencing 5pm Thursday 12 August. We want to reassure our community that YWCA Canberra’s services will continue to be available to those who need them during this lockdown period.

All our Children Services programs are continuing to operate for children of essential workers. Parents of children enrolled in our services will receive direct communications about how to access their services and the measures in place to support essential workers during lockdown. If you have any concerns or questions, please email childcareaccounts@ywca-canberra.org.au, or call your Centre as usual.

For other YWCA Canberra Services, please see below information for how you can connect with our team should you require support:

🏠 Housing and homelessness

Our team is available to support existing and new clients with housing and homelessness issues. Please call 0455 558 077 or email housing@ywca-canberra.org.au to speak to a team member.

🥫 Lanyon food hub

Emergency Food will be available via contactless pickup from the Mura Lanyon Youth and Community Centre from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Clients are required to wear masks and check in when collecting food. Please call 6185 2090 or email mlycc.manager@ywca-canberra.org.au.

☎️ Domestic violence support

Our qualified DV specialists are available to support you. Please call 0439 457 907 or email respect@ywca-canberra.org.au to have a confidential discussion.

💻 Education and training

Students will have received direct communications about their classes. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 02 6185 2079.

We appreciate that this is a difficult time for many in our communities, and we are committed to following all government advice and working together to stop the spread of the virus.

👥 Youth engagement

We have developed a virtual program of events for young people involved in our youth engagement programs, including an online spring school holiday program.

Our youth workers are available for one-on-one videos or phone calls. You can organise one by emailing the youth engagement team or calling 02 6185 2000.

⭕ Circles of Support

Covid 19 Update: Circles of Support is still operating remotely but is unable to work with child clients (11 or younger) during the lockdown. We are continuing to support parents and adolescents online or via the phone. All referrals for child clients will be added to our waiting list. We currently have a 3 month wait to see a counsellor.