Young people's stories - YMCA DownsLink Group

Young people’s stories

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Mollie wearing a white shirt smiling taking a selfie

Mollie’s story

Mollie’s anxious thoughts were taking over her life and stopping her from being independent. But when she started seeing a YMCA counsellor, she was empowered to gain back control.

Daniel sat on his bed listening to music

Daniel’s story

What does Chaplaincy really mean to the young people we support? One resident, Daniel, who has recently ‘moved on’ to a transitional property from a Foyer, explained the difference Chaplaincy made to him.

Nathan's Story

Nathan’s story

Nathan was struggling with his family relationships and mental health after coming out to his family at 15. Our Youth Advice Service found him specialist help.

Image of Leo smiling with his arms crossed, wearing a beige jumper

Leo’s story

An incident at home led to a relationship breakdown between 17 year old Leo and his mum. His mum reached out for help from our Family Mediation Service as she was close to evicting him.

Vivian smiling, wearing a space patterned hoodie

Vivian’s story

Vivian had a tough time as a teenager and faced multiple barriers which were causing a lot of upset and confusion. He came across our Youth Advice Centre and felt understood for the first time.

A young man Liam, stood outside wearing a white t-shirt

Liam’s story

After a confusing period of time, Liam was made to leave his mum’s house and ended up living in an airport for two months. Eventually, Liam was given a home in our supported accommodation and began to rebuild a stable life.

Jack's Story

Jack’s story

Jack came out as gay when he was 15. His family struggled to accept it and it caused tension and arguments at home. The situation came to a head when Jack was 16. After a huge row his Dad threw him out.

Stacy, a teenage girl with blonde hair smiling, wearing a red top.

Stacy’s story

Stacy was referred to our support and advice service after having trouble with her mental health. She started working with one of our support workers and has been feeling a lot happier in herself since. 

Georgia, smiling stood against a green background with a plant to her side

Georgia’s story

Georgia had her independence taken away from her when her living situation became unmanageable. She was given a home at YMCA DownsLink Group and received support to reconnect with her family and learn vital life skills.

Amanuel, a young man wearing a suit and white shirt with green bushes behind him

Amanuel’s story

Amanuel travelled to the UK from Ethiopia when he was just a teenager. He’s been living in our supported accommodation for a year and a half and with help from his Project Worker, he’s embraced everything about YMCA.

Young,Moroccan,Girl,With,Short,Hair,With,Fall,Outfit,-

Rukshi’s story

Rukshi was left homeless at 20 and lost custody of her daughter during a couple of difficult years. She’s now living in our 24 hour supported accommodation and has begun to rebuild her life and her relationship with her daughter.

Randy at the Youth Matters Awards smiling holding his certificate

Randy’s story

Randy had to leave his family and travel across the world to start a new life free from persecution. He is living in 24 hour supported housing and thriving.

Ex resident Millie smiling at the camera

Millie’s story

Millie had a difficult childhood which impacted her mental health and resulted in her leaving home at just 16. She was given a home in our 24-hour supported accommodation and life began to improve when she received the wraparound care and consistent support she needed.

Temesgen smiling holding his medal at the end of the DownsLink Challenge

Temesgen’s story

At just 16, Temesgen had to leave his family in Ethiopia and start a new life in the UK. He was given a home with us and received support to learn English, take part in volunteering and join in with YMCA activities.

Ben stood outside Filfil cafe

Ben’s story

Ben had a difficult time growing up and was thrown out of home at just 15. Through the perseverance of a teacher, Ben was given a home in our 24-hour supported accommodation and life got better. 

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