Young people's stories - YMCA DownsLink Group

Young people’s stories

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Layla’s story

First impressions of a new arrival: finally, a space to breathe, reset and start anew.    We had the opportunity to chat to new […]

3 young women stood in front of a screen reading 'Mental Health CHAMPIONS'

Maria’s story

Maria (pictured above in the middle) was working on her dissertation this year, but that hasn’t stopped her from finding time to volunteer as […]

young man playing the piano in profile

Jay’s story

Jay*’s determination to rebuild his life led him to new opportunities, supportive connections and a clearer sense of independence. With the stability and guidance […]

Lily higher res

Lily’s story

From care experience to national advocacy: at just 12 years old, “Lily” had to leave home and move in with foster carers. Her parents […]

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 […]

Ali - yp living in our accommodation

Ali’s Story

From struggles to stability: Ali’s journey of resilience and transformation   Ali’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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.

Stacy, a teenage girl with blonde hair smiling, wearing a red top.

Stacy’s story

Stacy was referred to our support and advice service after having trouble with her mental health. She started working with one of our support workers and has been feeling a lot happier in herself since. 

Image of young woman smiling with brown hair, wearing a yellow tshirt.

Maya’s story

Maya’s childhood was filled with instability as she constantly moved around the country. She found a home in our supported accommodation when she was just 16 and started to build up her life skills and create some consistency with our support.

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.

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