It’s good to be able to write to you. I wasn’t ready to do this at first, but now I want you to know how much you have been helping me.
I was 17 when I ran away from home. I couldn’t take it there anymore. Both my mum and my dad – they didn’t treat me right. They abused me – in so many ways. I hope you don’t mind, I don’t really want to go into the details right now. It’s still really difficult and painful. Maybe another time – later down the line.
Since I left home I’ve moved around about five times in five years. By the time I was 19, I was living in a refuge.
I haven’t seen or spoken to my parents in four years. But there is someone in my family who I keep in touch with – my sister. I speak to her every day and she is a huge source of emotional support for me. I don’t know what I would do without her.
At first I came to YMCA to seek counselling, but at the time the centre was facing severe funding cuts, so I was unable to get it. After some time my tenancy at the refuge was coming to an end, so I applied to stay at YMCA, and I’ve been living here ever since.
Luckily, over the years, I’ve had a lot of support and YMCA has helped me to learn how to be more organised, especially when it comes to managing my time. Before, I was often late to places and meetings. I’m struggling at the moment at work, but YMCA have been helping me through it, especially with my mental health issues during this difficult time. I’m looking now to maybe start volunteering or go back to into education.
Thank you so much for being a Roomsponsor and for supporting people like me. The different ways that YMCA has been helping me is such a blessing. And it’s encouraging as well to see other young people getting the help they need. It makes me feel like I’m not alone.
Thank you again,
Rachel