Hi Roomsponsors,
We’d like to update you on some of the young people you may have heard from previously, and share how well they’re doing now.
As a Roomsponsor you are giving young people a place where they are safe, supported and can feel like they belong. A place where they have the chance to reach their full potential.
Gemma
During Gemma’s childhood her parents had addiction problems with alcohol and drugs. She didn’t realise it back then, but there were often adults in the house who were using heroin in front of her and her younger brother. This was constantly putting them both at risk.
As she got older, Gemma would argue with her mum about her drug use and their relationship began to completely break down. One day the arguing hit boiling point and Gemma ran away from home. Unsure of where to turn to next and quickly running out of options, Gemma spent the next year sofa surfing.
“This time was the hardest of my life and I was terrified that eventually I would have to sleep out on the streets. It upset me so much that this was my only alternative to being around adults using drugs back home.”
When Gemma found YMCA she was very nervous and withdrawn. Her mental health was suffering. Thankfully, she was quickly referred to a counselling service and a group therapy session with other young people.
Today, Gemma is much more confident. She really values the independence and new friendships she has gained since coming to YMCA. She has also started to rebuild a relationship with her mum and frequently goes over to spend time with her younger brother. When she feels ready, Gemma hopes to move out of YMCA and find a place of her own. Although she knows that YMCA is always there when she needs us.
Thanks to your support, young people like Gemma can find a place they feel safe, confident and hopeful.
Peter
Peter was a carer for his mum for many years. Sadly, her mental health took a bad turn and she attempted suicide. When she was admitted to hospital long term, Peter was left with nowhere to live.
“I slept at mum’s flat for about three weeks, but to be honest, I was only able to come in and out because the police had to bust down the door when she had attempted suicide. I remember being fearful at night staying in a flat that wasn’t secure and feeling very lonely being there all by myself.”
Peter struggled to come to terms with what had happened to his mum and blamed himself for not doing more to help her. If he hadn’t found YMCA, Peter would’ve been out on the streets.
Peter has been incredibly resilient and determined to build a future for himself since arriving at YMCA. He has been able to access support to improve his own mental health, and has since become a source of support to other young people as the Resident Rep.
This year, Peter has plans to go back to university and do his Master’s degree. Ultimately, he hopes to secure a full-time job which will give him much more independence
“Arriving at YMCA couldn’t have come at a better time. Without this place I would’ve been completely homeless, without a job or a support network of any kind. Being here has allowed me the space to save some money, learn life skills and most importantly to improve my mental health.”
Your kindness helps young people like Peter access support to overcome traumatic experiences so they can build a brighter future for themselves.
Charlie
Charlie was taken into care when she was just six years old. Her childhood was spent moving between foster families so she lacked any consistency and role models. Over time she began to feel like she didn’t really matter and that she had no one in her life she could rely on.
“I would constantly have to mould myself to fit in with new friends and family despite not spending enough time with them to build meaningful relationships. This was so difficult to deal with as a child, I felt low and anxious all the time.”
When her last foster placement ended at age 17 she found herself with nowhere to go. As a care leaver, Charlie lacked a support network and was terrified she would end up on the streets.
Coming to YMCA gave Charlie the stability she needed to finish her college course and secure a full-time job which really built up her confidence. She was referred to a counselling service which has greatly improved her mental health.
Since her last update, Charlie felt ready to begin the process of moving on from YMCA. She has now secured her own place and is enjoying living independently. She is excited to experience new things this year and is even hoping she can go on holiday abroad soon.
“These days I’m feeling really positive. When I first arrived at YMCA I was so nervous and I lacked any of the skills I’d need to live on my own. I couldn’t really cook much and now I’m cooking roast dinners in my own flat for me and my friends.”
Thanks to Roomsponsors like you, Charlie had the space she needed to learn new skills and take control of her future.
No one should have to endure what these incredible young people have had to. But thanks to your generosity, more young people can gain confidence, independence and build a brighter future.
Best wishes,
The Roomsponsor Team
Well done to all the young people and well done to YMCA. A huge thank you to all who work and help in YMCA. Good luck in the future to all young people believe in yourselves you are all unique and amazing.
Thank you for all of your support, Anne!
You have all achieved so much from such difficult situations in your young lives due to the wonderful work of YMCA and your own determination. Really well done to turn your lives around and I wish you all the very best in the future !
Norma
Thank you very much for your support over the years, we really appreciate it!
I get the greatest of satisfaction in seeing the results of my sponsorship. The young people and those who work to support them are heroes.
Thanks for your support, it makes a big difference to the lives of young people!
So heartwarming to read of the achievements of Gemma, Peter and Charlie with the support of the YMCA. I’m sure you will all go on to have even more success! Wishing you all good luck and our very best wishes for the future.Jenny D. X