Young people's stories - YMCA DownsLink Group

Young people’s stories

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Daniel sat on his bed listening to music

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.

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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.

Dylan with curley brown hair and braces smiling at the camera, sat in a grass field

Dylan’s story

Dylan ran away from home when he was 14 and got involved with drugs to help him cope but ended up in hospital after suffering from a nervous breakdown.

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.

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.

Georgia, smiling stood against a green background with a plant to her side

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.

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.

Mapalo sat at a desk smiling at he camera

Mapalo’s story

A heart attack permanently altered Mapalo’s mum’s personality. Forced to go to school with a suitcase full of her belongings, Mapalo would present herself as homeless. Things changed when she turned 18.

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.

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.

Kai's Story

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.

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