Young people’s stories
Emi’s story
Emi is one of our e-wellbeing Youth Researchers. After experiencing her own mental health struggles at a young age, Emi was determined to help other young people like herself.
Sophie’s story
Sophie* had to leave her foster placement and had nowhere to go. After moving into the Y Centre, she was able to complete a […]
Tina’s story
Tina found the support she received from our YMCA WiSE service invaluable following a difficult period in her life when she had been groomed by two older men.
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.
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.
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.
George’s story
When George* was 14, his life seemed normal until his mother struggled with mental health and his father left the family. Feeling abandoned, George […]
Alysha’s story
Alysha had a difficult childhood, full of arguments and tension, which led to her battling with her mental health. Thrown out at 17 with nowhere to go, she sofa surfed at friend’s houses until she was given a safe home with us.
Sam’s story
Following on from two lockdowns and starting a new school, Sam was suffering from social anxiety. After reluctantly started therapy with us, Sam settled into the sessions and his worries began to lessen.
Archie’s story
After a chaotic few years Archie found stability at the YMCA. Now, with help from YMCA’s Life Change Fund he’s all set to take another big step forwards.
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.
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.
Dani’s story
Dani’s life had been chaotic and unstable. Her social worker referred her to YMCA DownsLink Group, and, with the help of her YMCA WiSE project worker, she began to make better decisions around relationships and her future.
