Hi Roomsponsors,
My name is Cheryl and I’m a keyworker at YMCA. I want to tell you about an amazing young man I work with called John who is 20 years old and has been staying with us for a while now.
Sadly John’s mum passed away when he and his twin brother were only 6 months old and he suffered a difficult upbringing when raised by his dad. John stayed in hospital until he was two years old after an incredibly difficult premature birth when his lungs didn’t develop properly; it was a miracle he survived. He has unfortunately been left with learning difficulties, dyspraxia and dysarthria. John has an older sister who also has learning difficulties therefore it was really quite challenging for their dad who was very young, to look after three young children, two of them with learning difficulties and subsequently the impact of this was sadly neglect.
John had a traumatic childhood as he spent the entire time on and off the child protection register for neglect. When he was 14 years old, he was separated from his sister when she was taken into care due to this.
John was made to move constantly, often living in awful conditions. They were always on the brink of homelessness living in rented properties which often went unpaid and therefore having to move from property to property, across the country. As you can imagine this would be very stressful and worrying for any child of any age to cope with, not knowing whether you had a roof over your head to go home to. No child or young person should have to go through this.
It was when John was 16 and living in a property that had no heating and gas, and on the verge of being evicted, that the staff at his college raised concerns with social services because he would come into college cold and hungry. John told me how he remembers it being freezing, and there was damp and mould all around the house which created a smell and made him unwell.
John and his twin moved into YMCA in 2015 for 7 months until social services moved him into foster care whilst his brother returned to his dad. When John came to YMCA it was clear that there had been some neglect but we did all we could to make sure his was in good health. John soon wanted to return to YMCA when a place became available and has now been with us since April 2017. He came back because he felt really happy here. He knew that here at YMCA we would help to build his independence and ability to live in a flat by himself.
This is the first time in his life that he has real stability in a safe home without the worry of being evicted, he can focus on things that people his age should focus on like learning and having fun with friends. We are helping John with living independently by teaching him to budget and how to develop household skills such as laundry which he doesn’t enjoy but then who does!
We supported John throughout his college qualification in cookery and sport which he enjoyed and has successfully completed, we loved trying all of the food he cooked too! Previously he attended a special educational needs school therefore going to mainstream college was a massive step for his personal development so we are very proud of his achievements. Furthermore last month John started a pre-supported internship at college that helps him to prepare for a job.
John wants to continue most of all focusing on his education, and doing hobbies he loves like playing football and he wants to continue being happy with life. John has become good friends with others at YMCA and he loves to get involved with any events we put on. He also volunteers his time with our ‘Love where you live’ scheme to look after the environment and the YMCA premises. He is always willing to help staff at YMCA.
I am always inspired by the young people I work with. Despite facing so many challenges, John is trying to gain more skills to help him prepare for adult life and he manages to succeed here taking into account his learning difficulties. His confidence and self-esteem have flourished which is great to see. John is a delightful young man and enjoys positive feedback about how far he has come in the last three years.
Thank you once again for your amazing support. As a Roomsponsor you are helping to change the lives of young people like John giving them the opportunity they may never have had.
I look forward to updating you later in the year on John’s progress.
Best wishes,
Cheryl, YMCA Keyworker
This is such a sad story . His poor father had an awful time too
At least John is on the right path now , that’s wonderful
Thank you for the update about one of the people supported by the YMCA. Its really uplifting to hear stories of individuals who have benefited from the Roomsponsor scheme and makes me feel like my money is being well spent.
Thankyou to the keyworkers…. they are the hero’s.
Its really nice to get updates from you and to know that although I only donate a small amount it is helping young people like John to move on and improve his future.
Fantastic story; a complete positive turnaround to the life John could have had. A similar project helped a relative of mine, that is why I support YMCA.
John you are absolutely amazing and keep up the good work well done for getting your qualifications and now helping out at the YMCA.
Also good luck in the next stage when you start your internship at college John and all good wishes.
So glad to hear that you have some stability at last John and many congratulations on your college qualifications.:-) Good luck with the internship. Lots of new challenges, but with the YMCA support I am sure you will continue to make great progress towards living independently and enjoying life. Take care.
dear John
It is wonderful to hear that you are enjoying your life at the YMCA and are getting the support that you need. I hope you continue well with your courses and have a lot of fun! best wishes susan
When you write about resourceful people like John you make all the petty silly things which affect me seem very trivial. Thankyou John for setting an example to us all. Thankyou Cheryl for what you do. Best wishes = Mike Elgood
Hi John it is sad that some people in life have so many difficulties and support is not always available but you have been fortunately to gain help and support from the YMCA ,you have worked hard in getting this far so just keep doing what you are and you will succeed.
Well done John. Keep up the good work and enjoy life.
Well done John. So pleased to hear you have security and happiness in your life, as well as good friendship.
And thank you to all the staff who put so much caring into what they do.
I feel privileged to be able to support, even in such a small way.
John you had such a sad and difficult start in life, but now thanks to all the help from YMCA you are making amazing progress, you should be very proud of yourself. Stick to plans for all the things you wish to achieve and you will make it. You can now believe that this is possible!
All good wishes
Norma
Hello John. I’m so sorry to read of your very difficult time. It’s great to hear that through theYMCA life has improved for you. I wish you the very best for the future. Jenny.
Thank you John for letting your story be shared. Young people like you, who only need to be offered good opportunities, a safe home and support are the reason I support YMCA. Wishing you good luck and a happy future. Love Christine
Well done, John. Keep up the good work. You should be very proud of yourself. A very belated “thank you” for your update, Cheryl and the YMCA team.