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: Blogs
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…
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…
Daryna’s Story
Daryna (pronounced Dasha) came to live at the YMCA City Gateway back in June 2023 on a sponsorship programme from the Ukraine to offer a safe place to live due to the war. During her time here she has made friends with other residents and engaged with resident drop-in, pizza nights and ‘breakfast on the go’ and…
A Fond Farewell (for now)
In the heart of Gornal, there is a truly remarkable place that Senior Mentor with the YMCA Gateway to Achieve Project, Jay Pyatt, has been able to support over the past 18 months – Hope House, a place of collaboration, compassion, and community spirit that has touched the lives of many. Jay is now to…