Young People’s Stories

Poppy's story

Poppy’s Story

Poppy 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.
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.

Daniel’s story

What does Chaplaincy really mean to the young people we support? One resident, who has recently ‘moved on’ to a transitional property from a Foyer, explained the difference Chaplaincy made to him.

Louise’s Story

Louise, one of our Positive Placement mentors says, “The chance to help shape a young person’s future is an incredible honour and I am grateful to the YMCA for this chance.”
Sam's Story

Sam’s story

Following family issues, Sam moved into our supported accommodation and found the confidence to pursue his dream career.

Leaha’s story

Leaha, a resident in supported accomodation, couldn’t afford to buy football boots. But, thanks to generous donations from our supporters, she was able to take part in an international football competition.

Charlie’s Story

The relationship between Charlie and his mother was under huge strain but a referral to the YMCA Family Mediation service gave them space to resolve things.

Andre’s Story

With exams looming Andre was getting into trouble at school. Counselling sessions with YMCA Dialogue enabled him to face up to his fears and develop plans for the future.
Nathan's Story

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.

Caleb’s Story

Some emotional issues made life difficult for Caleb, aged 8. A Dialogue school counsellor was able to help him talk things through in a safe place.
Lihle's story

Lihle’s story

Lihle was struggling to meet the cost of travel to college. Thanks to funding from YMCA DownsLink Group she was able to continue her course until her bursary came through.

Sherylee’s story

Sherylee moved into YMCA Worthing Foyer struggling with instability. Through hard work and perseverance, she is now thriving and has just released her first EP!
YMCA DownsLink Group Dani's Story

Dani’s story

Dani's life had been chaotic and unstable. Her social worker referred her to YMCA DownsLink Group, and, with the help of her YMCA WiSE project worker, she began to make better decisions around relationships and her future.
Jimmy's Story

Jimmy’s story

After a chaotic few years Jimmy found stability at the YMCA. Now, with help from YMCA’s Life Change Fund he’s all set to take another big step forwards.
YMCA DownsLink Group Oliver's Story

Oliver’s story

Oliver, who has cerebral palsy, was able to access funding to improve his mobility as well as his work prospects.
Jack's Story

Jack’s story

Jack came out as gay when he was 15. His family struggled to accept it and it caused tension and arguments at home. The situation came to a head when Jack was 16. After a huge row his Dad threw him out.

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.
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.
Susie's story

Susie’s story

Susie ended up alone at 18 when her little sister was taken into care. She was struggling to cope and stopped going to college. Since moving into our 24-hour supported accommodation she is thriving. She's back at college and dreams of being an astrophysicist.

Ali’s story

Ali left Iran aged 15 because his life was threatened. Read how living with YMCA DownsLink Group YMCA helped him to adjust to a new life in the UK, and how his future is looking positive.
Kara's Story

Kara’s story

Changes in Kara's behaviour at school were causing concern. Counselling with YMCA Dialogue helped Kara identify and express her feelings, letting light into a dark period in her life.
Becky's Story

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.
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YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by and faithful to our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.

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