Young people’s stories
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.
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.
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 […]
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.
Kai’s story
After years of struggling with poor mental health, Kai moved into our 24-hour supported accomodation and finally began to get the help he needed.
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 […]
Adi’s story
Adi is an unaccompanied asylum–seeking young person who threw himself into every opportunity when he moved into our supported accommodation despite facing huge adversity.
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.
