Hi Roomsponsors,
It is a pleasure to update you with the latest news on our young people Alex and Damien. Both have made incredible progress this year as they continue to rebuild their lives with the help of YMCA, and I wanted to say a huge thank you for your ongoing part in that.
Previously, Alex sent you an update about how he suffers with a severe anxiety disorder which led him to drinking and drug abuse. Sadly he felt this was the only way he could escape from the illness. After some education and career setbacks and a relationship breakdown with his family, he was left with nowhere to go.
Since then, I’m delighted to share with you that Alex has gone from strength to strength since arriving at YMCA. He is now working in a full time position and has recently moved out of YMCA into a house share.
Alex is finding independent living to be quite challenging and has experienced ups and downs, however YMCA are continuing to support him during this transition. He is determined to stay strong and turn to those around him when in need. He is very focused on building a career for himself. During his time at YMCA, Alex’s mentor encouraged and supported him with joining an organisation to meet other young men with mental health difficulties. Through this, he has made lifelong friends and found talking to other men of a similar age, really helpful for his recovery.
It is always wonderful when a young person is able to stand on their own two feet and your kind generosity makes a huge contribution.
Previous to Alex’s update, Damien introduced himself to you. Damien came to YMCA after a long period of sleeping rough, sofa-surfing and a very troubled home life. He found himself on the streets at just 15 years old after he discovered who is biological father was which caused a relationship breakdown with his mother.
Damien receives support for his Autism Spectrum disorder and he has progressed brilliantly this year. We are thrilled with his positive attitude and eagerness to get involved as much as possible; he has been really keen to improve his situation. He is still enjoying volunteering with a furniture recycling company and likes having the responsibility of driving the van.
Damien has developed an excellent relationship with his YMCA mentor and finds him really easy to talk to about his problems. From this, Damien has improved his interpersonal skills and he is overcoming his fear of meeting and speaking with new people which is great for his development. Damien courageously helped to set up a group for young autistic people with the support from his YMCA mentor which he enjoys attending; he also likes the day trips and activities offered.
More recently, his mentor has been helping him to improve his CV and cover letter and helping him to apply to jobs. Damien really appreciates how his mentor has helped him to think about new opportunities and has given him the confidence to go on career days.
“Without the YMCA, life would be rubbish. I’d probably be out on the streets. I don’t want to go anywhere else. At the YMCA, I get my own room and my independence. I enjoy taking part in the activities that are put on. My favourite is cooking – it’s good to cook my own meals. I feel like I have choices here and am included in decisions.”
In the future, Damien would like to get his own flat giving him more independence and freedom and is determined to progress from a voluntary role to a full time job. After he leaves the supported accommodation, he would like to continue his involvement with YMCA as a way of paying back the support he has been given. His progress has been fantastic.
Thank you so much again for your support. We look forward to introducing you to some more inspirational young people in our next update to you.
With best wishes
Elizabeth Mings
Roomsponsor Team
So pleased that both Alex and Damien are making such good progress . I want to send my good wishes to both for the future. Please keep touch. Susan
Hear Hear, Susan
Excellent progress, well done and good luck to Damien
It is so good to know the progress Damien has made, it is encouraging to know how lives can be transformed with the right help. Well done all those involved.
Well done Alex and Damien on making such good progress.
Well done Alex and Damien. You can both be proud of yourself. Best wishes for your future. Love Christine