Programs & events
The QWYC offers a wide variety of programming, ranging from daily drop-in activities, registered monthly programs, special events, and trips. Our focus is fostering connection and engagement among the youth of our community.
SPECIAL EVENTS
healthy relationships workshop
june 4, 2026, 6:00-8:00 pm
St. Leonard’s Youthreach program is partnering with the Quinte West Youth Centre to provide educational presentations to youth on important topics that are relevant to their everyday lives. The content that will be discussed and the associated content warnings are listed below. Youth are provided a content warnings prior to beginning each presentation.
Consent and Boundaries
This program is not limited to romantic relationships. The discussions also explore consent, boundaries and healthy behaviours within friendships, at school, and in the home. The following themes and topics are provided to students as a content warning: unhealthy/abusive relationships & behaviours, physical touch & sexual consent, and invasions of personal space & privacy.
Click here to view a more detailed video regarding the program. If you have any questions about the content or presentations, please contact the Quinte West Youth Centre for more information.
Youthreach life skills programming is also available in 1:1 and small group settings at no fee for youth aged 8-17 in Hastings and Prince Edward. For more information about Youthreach please visit www.stleonardshpe.ca/prevention-programs/.
PROGRAMS
YOUR VOICE, YOUR STORY
Whether you’re a beginner or not, this program ran by CYW Hailey is a great opportunity to learn how to express yourself through music AND have an opportunity to share it with the community. Runs Tuesdays from 6-8 pm, starting May 5.
Spaces still available – contact us to register!
What's cooking
‘What’s Cooking’ is a daily program that underscores the importance of healthy eating and nutrition. This program is aimed at educating youth about the many facets and complexities of nutrition and overall health, including- but not limited to- portion control, nutritional labels, meal preparation, and clean-up. This is an open program that runs every evening that the QWYC is open (Tuesday through Friday between 3pm-8pm). Youth are encouraged to collaboratively prepare and cook meals for all who are interested in eating, and those who wish to eat are asked to participate in the clean-up of their own dish and of the meal itself.
Rainbow Rising
Rainbow Rising is an ongoing program offered to youth who identify as or are allies of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, which run Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. **Starting May 6, the program will run every other Wednesday. This group is a safe, inclusive and open group that encourages discussion about relevant issues faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and what youth are facing in their daily lives.
CHESS CLUB
Led by our very own in-house chess-xpert, James Kemp, Chess club will run on most Wednesdays, with some exceptions. Beginners who have never played before can learn the rules, and those with some experience will be able to develop strategy and further their skills! Come have fun at chess club – who knows, you might be Quinte West’s Next Chess Master! Contact us if you want to find out if Chess Club is running on a particular Wednesday.
GYM
Join us Tuesdays-Fridays from 3:45-4:45 pm at the gym, where we play volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and other games. Bring your indoor shoes, or wear your socks.
fempowerment
Fempowerment is for anyone who identifies as a girl between the ages of 12-18. This 10-week program, participants meet once a week and explore topics such as healthy relationships (with friends/family/romantic partners/with self/community/etc.), self care, confidence, social media, and healthy habits vs diet culture. The goal of the program is that participants leave with higher self confidence and the skills to create and maintain healthy relationships in their lives. (Starting soon! Contact us to learn when a new series of this program will begin.)
YOUNG MEN'S GROUP: Manly manifesto
This program is created to assist young boys in their transition into manhood. Becoming an adult can be a complicated and overwhelming experience, and many young men benefit from guidance during this stage. Some of the topics this program discussed include: gender roles and stereotypes, mental health and support, respecting others, consent, and positive relationships. By the end of the program our goal is that the members of the Manly Manifesto have developed the knowledge, skills, and self-awareness to become more confident with becoming an adult and recognizing positive support groups in their lives. DATES AND TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY
mental wellness
Mental Wellness programming provides opportunities for youth to learn about techniques and coping mechanisms to support their mental health. This program is also designed to provide educational information on mental health illnesses and end the stigma around mental health. This program is offered every evening.
bridge to hope
Bridge to Hope is designed to support youth who are at risk of becoming homeless or are homeless by providing preventative support. This program offers FREE laundry services, food, basic necessities, personal hygiene products, clothing, shoes and cleaning supplies.
Other programs and activities
- Homework Help
- Volunteerism
- Entrepreneurship
- Sports
- Free Wifi
- Science Experiments
- Arts & Crafts
