Young people's stories - YMCA DownsLink Group

Young people’s stories

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Soph

Soph’s story

There aren’t many young people who have a tattoo to remember the support they’ve received from us – but that’s exactly what one young […]

Room sponsorship - Becky sat on bed

Becky’s story

Becky is 19 and left home after her Dad’s drinking became too much for her to cope with. Her mum died when she was 10 and her Dad turned to alcohol to deal with his grief. She moved in with her boyfriend at 17 as a way to get away from her Dad, but when that didn’t work out she found herself facing homelessness.

Young,Woman,Taking,A,Deep,Breath,Outdoors,Feeling,Relaxed,And

Chloe’s story

When her mental health took a turn, Chloe found a safe space with our support and advice service at our Youth Advice Centre in […]

Tina's Story

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.

Alysha smiling in the Horsham Y Centre Garden

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.

Young man archie smiling on a street

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.

Emi, e-wellbeing Youth Mental Health champion smiling, waring a denim jacket and white t-shirt

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.

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.

Josh sat on a sofa smiling, wearing a red jumper and blue jeans

Josh’s story

A year ago, Josh was facing homelessness. He was having trouble at home and didn’t get on with his parents. After moving into our supported accommodation, Josh took every opportunity he could to help other people like him.

Smiling young woman

Kasia’s Story

Kasia didn’t realise she was being subjected to sexual exploitation. Spending time with a YMCA WiSE project worker opened her eyes to the reality of her situation.

george story

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 […]

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.

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.

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.

Dee at Hailsham boxing club smiling

Dee’s story

Dee dreams of being a champion. She wants to represent Britain as part of the GB boxing team. Despite facing challenges as a teenager, with our support, she’s thriving and is working hard to turn her dreams into reality.  

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