Stock photo used to protect identity. Hayley was referred to the YMCA in Rugeley when she was 17 years old. A relationship breakdown with family due to domestic violence left her homeless. Hayley was desperate for accommodation and was able to access one of our emergency bed spaces. She arrived with her social worker in…
Posts Categorized: News & Events
Amanda’s Story – YMCA Small Street Centre
Stock photo used to protect identity. Amanda and her son were referred by their Jobcentre for support with completing a UC50 form (Limited Capability to Work). A recent horrific incident had left Amanda’s adult son with life-changing injuries. A few weeks later they returned to YMCA Small Street Centre for support with completing a PIP…
Higgs LLP Joins Forces with YMCA in Sleep Easy Fundraising Challenge
Higgs LLP is partnering with YMCA Black Country in support of our Sleep Easy event scheduled for Friday, March 8th. This collaborative effort aims to raise vital funds to address the root causes of youth homelessness and aid young individuals in their journey towards independence. On Friday 8th March, a dedicated team from Higgs LLP…
Youth Hub Launched at YMCA West Bromwich
Department for Work and Pensions today launched their Sandwell Youth Hub, in partnership with Sandwell Council and YMCA Black Country Group at YMCA’s West Bromwich site in Carters Green. The Sandwell Youth Hub works with young people aged 18-24, who are referred by the Jobcentre to overcome barriers they may be facing that are preventing…
Alec’s Story – Wolverhampton Housing
My Name is Alec, I came to live at YMCA Wolverhampton Housing in 2018 at the age of 16, I am now 21. Before I moved into YMCA I lived with my family. My childhood was difficult, due to my chaotic family situation which eventually led to my mom and step-dad leaving me to start…
Poppy’s Story – Moving Forward Fund
Name and photo changed to protect identity. Poppy had previously lived with a partner and had their own tenancy but after a break up, Poppy found herself in a lot of debt, as all of the bills had been in her name. She saw coming to YMCA as a backward step initially and was reluctant…
Simon’s Story – YMCA Wren’s Nest Navigators Mentoring
YMCA have worked with a range of individuals in the Wren’s Nest area supporting them with a variety of challenges that they have faced. Simon was initially referred to YMCA Wren’s Nest Navigators for support in getting out and meeting new people and also trying to get into employment. Meeting the mentoring team was initially…
Az’s Story – YMCA Mentoring
Az initially sought support from the YMCA following a stroke and subsequent rehabilitation at West Park Hospital. Upon referral, AZ articulated her need for assistance in employment seeking and confidence-building, addressing her struggles with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. She also disclosed the challenges stemming from an abusive past relationship, including family exclusion, fertility issues,…
YMCA’s Curiosity Approach to Christmas Crafts
Written by Mel Braden, Executive Head of Nurseries & Quality Here at YMCA Black Country Group we all absolutely loves Christmas. I’m worse than the children when it comes to getting excited. However, just because it’s the festive season that doesn’t mean we forget our child-led principles. Child-led learning is when a child is offered…
Zanko’s Story
Zanko arrived in the UK after fleeing from Iran in 2021 at the age of 16. Due to his age he was picked up by Children’s Services and placed with a foster family where he thrived and became part of the family, speaking very little English, Zanko was enrolled on an ESOL course. When Zanko…