Hi everyone,
Here is an update on John, Sophie and Phoenix who you may have read about recently:
John
John has suffered from a traumatic childhood. His mum passed away when he was only six months old and he was left in the care of his dad who was very young at the time. Sadly, he was neglected as a child as a result, and spent his childhood being on and off the protection register for neglect. At the age of 17, John and was living in a property that had no heating and gas, and on the verge of being evicted.
John’s life transformed when he was offered a place to stay at YMCA. He was glad to be given stability of a safe home and an opportunity to build his independence and focus on his education.
John is still at college and doing well. He’s been on a couple of work experience placements which he has enjoyed and the feedback from the employers has been very positive.
John is continuing to get involved with as many activities and events going on at YMCA such as doing a sponsored climb and redecorating rooms in the residence which is excellent.
Some even more exciting news is that he was recently nominated for a community award by his college tutor for all he does to support YMCA and in his college which he subsequently went onto win!
Sophie
Sophie has suffered with a series of heart-breaking incidents throughout her life: a neglectful mum who was a drug user, being a young carer, being caught in an abusive relationship, dealing with mental health difficulties and was eventually evicted from her home and living on the streets. At the age of 16, she fell pregnant and had a little girl but Sophie couldn’t provide for her so made the sad decision to give her to her paternal grandparents.
Thanks to your support, she was able to turn her life around. She was given a safe place to stay and support for her mental health difficulties. At YMCA Sophie kept a close relationship with her daughter, spending time with her every other weekend and found a job at her local café which she no longer works at but instead is focusing on her education.
In Sophie’s words: “I am focusing on doing my access courses for university. I’ll be studying business and I can’t wait! I’m feeling really positive and excited for the future.
Everything is going well with my family and my little girl and I’m grateful that YMCA are continuing to give me support with this. I would like to say thank you for all the support that you give to allow the YMCA to keep up its amazing work so that young people can change their futures and have a better life. I couldn’t imagine where I would be without all of the help and support I have been given.”
Phoenix
Phoenix was only 16 when she moved into YMCA and had suffered a very difficult upbringing with an abusive father and a neglectful mother. This lead to her being the main carer for her younger sister which became too much for her to cope with. Thankfully she was referred to YMCA and her life is slowly turning around thanks to the support she has received.
Phoenix said: “I’m feeling much better now. Being at YMCA has helped so much but I am not where I want to be yet, that’ll take time. I am currently being tested for Autism, ADHD and lots of other things and YMCA will support me whatever the outcome.
YMCA are helping me to get involved in lots of different projects, I particularly love the YHeritage project, and then when I feel ready, I want to go back to college and complete a course related to the emergency services perhaps in medical care, first aid training or work towards being a call handler.
Eventually, I’d love to train to be a paramedic and help others in need.”
No young person should go through what these three incredible young people have had to deal with so knowing there are people like you who care, makes a huge difference. Thank you so much for enabling us to help them.
Best wishes,
The Roomsponsor Team
It is wonderful to hear how much difference YMCA has made to the lives of John, Sophie and Phoenix. They are all doing so well having experienced terrible beginnings in life. No child should ever go through their ordeals, but unfortunately we know all too often it happens. They all seem in a much more positive place and looking forward to a bright and fulfilling future. They have gone a long way to making this happen with the enormous support of all concerned at YMCA. With all good wishes and may you all find the strength to push for that… Read more »
It was so wonderful to read how these young people had transformed their lives. Well done, you all had done so well. YMCA you also are providing such excellent support to these young people. It is a privilege to be able to help.
Anne
Great to hear that all three young people are doing well under the care and guidance of the YMCA thank you for all that you do. However, all credit goes to these three amazing young people for how they are getting on with their lives despite the challenges they have faced.
Take care and stay strong
Best wishes
Eira
So proud of you all for working so hard & doing so well – you are truly amazing young people & a real inspiration