Young People’s Stories

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.

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.

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, 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.”

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 moved into YMCA Worthing Foyer struggling with instability. Through hard work and perseverance, she is now thriving and has just released her first EP!

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.

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.

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

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.