Young people’s stories
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.
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 […]
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’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.
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.
