Young people's stories - YMCA DownsLink Group

Young people’s stories

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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.

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.

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.

Nader stood in the garden in a blue sports tshirt holding up two certificates of achievement

Nader’s story

Nader left his home country when he was just 14 and after a difficult journey he arrived in the UK as an unaccompanied asylum seeking child. Nader was given a home at YMCA DownsLink Group and was supported to learn English, attend college and take part in lots of activities.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

sophie image

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 […]

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.

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.

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.

Sam sat on a boat with the sea behind him and a white boat in the distance

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.

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. 

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 […]

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