Hello everyone,
A lot has happened since you last heard about me and I can’t wait to share it with you!
I’ve been really enjoying volunteering on the front desk at my YMCA centre and the customers always tell me I’m the best receptionist they have ever had! They always say: “You’re amazing at what you do!”
Anyway, the other YMCA staff members must have noticed how hard I have been working, and how much time I have been putting into it for them, because they recommended me to Georgina, a senior staff member, and she recently asked if I’d be interested in an apprenticeship with YMCA! I’m so happy!
We need to look into it in more detail, but I would get paid to do similar sort of work and get some qualifications at the same time. I am really excited – it would be my first proper job, full-time. It’s another step closer to reaching another level and I am happy to be keeping my doors open career-wise. My dad was the first person I told, he cried on the phone! He said he wasn’t but I could tell. It’s great really because dad was the one that kept telling me to hold onto the volunteering because it would come good one day. I’m so glad that I did.
That news was a real rainbow through the clouds actually, because I suffered with a panic attack a few months ago. I broke down really badly. A lot had been getting on top of me and I found it really hard. My doctor suggested I cut down on some of my responsibilities, so I stopped looking for work and YMCA helped me a lot during that time, especially my keyworker Jayne – she was a big support. We had lots of sessions to talk things over and about how I’ve been feeling in general. Dad left the family home as well a few months ago. That was one of the things that built up that I couldn’t handle. Now he lives far away, which is really hard. We have almost always been on good terms, so I struggle with him being so far, but it’s always worth the trip when I get to visit him. Unfortunately, the connection between me and my mum has broken down so I don’t see or speak to her or my younger brothers and sisters much. But if they want to talk to me then they know where I am.
Some days I think about what would have happened if I was still at home. I think I would actually still be hiding in my room. I wouldn’t come out at all, I wouldn’t go anywhere and I wouldn’t have met my boyfriend. He actually moved away to university recently so it’s been really tough not having him or my dad close by. Neither of them can just come over and talk when I am struggling, but luckily YMCA are always there for me. He is coming back to visit for the first time soon, so I’m really looking forward to that.
I’m currently living in YMCA move-on accommodation, which is semi-independent. I am trying to find somewhere to move into privately, but it is difficult. Once I do it will be another step forward. I feel like I have grown so much. I still remember the first day I moved in, I was so nervous, but I feel like I am ready to move on now. Jayne said that when she first met me I wouldn’t even look her in the eye, so there’s been a huge change. I still get a bit nervous when new people move in, especially if they are loud. But I know where to go and who to talk to if there are ever any problems. The support here has been amazing.
I’m 21 years old now and I think I can look back at this in 5 years and say “no, I am glad I left home, and I am quite proud of myself”. It’s thanks to you all really, for helping me and for supporting YMCA. I’ve read all the letters and cards and comments you’ve sent and thank you for all the gifts! I never expected to receive gifts! I honestly want to say thank you so much for everything in general, I definitely appreciate it without a doubt. It genuinely makes me so happy to read all the comments and it brings such a smile to face. I just hope you all know how much it means to me.
Thank you so much again.
Dannielle x
P.S: I have been looking into more violin lessons, but one of my strings broke so that has set me back a bit!