Dear Roomsponsors,
It is a pleasure to be able to introduce you to two young people that have recently become a part of the Roomsponsor scheme. We hope these updates go some way in showing you just how much of an impact your generosity can have on young lives and, as these young people share more of their story, just how much it means to them personally too.
Alex, 20, came to YMCA late last year. From a young age, he has suffered with mental health difficulties and was later diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. Thinking he had found the answer in alcohol and drugs, Alex used them regularly to block out his worries, but this isolating behaviour put a strain on his relationship with his mother and step-father. Sadly, as he got older, Alex’s troubles got worse. He lost a place at University and struggled to maintain work, which forced him to leave home. With no one around to support him and nowhere to stay, Alex ended up sleeping on park benches, begging for food and often suffering physical or verbal attacks from people on the streets late at night, until he was referred to us. Since arriving at YMCA, we have provided Alex with the support he needs to begin re-building his confidence and his life, which he is looking forward to telling you more about soon.
Amber, 19, was referred to us after a relationship breakdown with her mother forced her to leave home. Amber’s father was in prison until she was five so she was raised by her mother and stepfather. With her mother acting as a carer for her younger half-brother (who has disabilities), Amber felt she never really had a place at home and when she finally left, with nowhere stable to go, she was forced to sofa-surf at friends’ houses for two months. Amber found the whole experience upsetting and frightening, being constantly unsure where she should go or what would happen next. Eventually, the council referred her to YMCA. In her next update, Amber is keen to share more with you about the support she’s been receiving from us to set her up for an independent and fulfilling life.
I hope you look forward to hearing more news from Alex and Amber in the coming months, as well as another young person called Damien. We hope their progress shows you just how valuable your generous support is.
Your decision to be a Roomsponsor has the capacity to completely turn young lives around. Thank you so much for believing in young people and helping to give them the chance for a brighter and better future.
With best wishes,
Sarah Lewis, Roomsponsor team