YMCA Black Country Group join a collaboration of YMCA’s celebrating securing a 4-year contract to deliver the RAF Benevolent Fund’s flagship Airplay programme! Airplay is approaching its 11th birthday and is designed to help meet the social, recreational and developmental needs of over 11,000 children and young people of the serving RAF family. YMCA Black Country…
Ryan is an Open Door resident and has been living with his Host Robert for over 6 months. Here is his account of how YMCA Open Door and Robert have helped him get through a difficult time. If you have a spare room and think you could host a homeless young person, find out more…
If you’re feeling stressed, listening to a calming song can take your mind off work for a few minutes and help you unwind and refocus. Research has found slow, quiet music can encourage relaxation and reduce anxiety. When you’re working hard to complete a task, music can also help eliminate distractions around you. By blocking…
Upon joining Talent Match, Darrel was paired with his new mentor, Jay. Jay was able to help Darrel get straight onto a Customer Service Course, completing his Retail Level One and Two with the IMS Pilot Scheme. Further trying to develop Darrel’s skills for employment, Darrel and Jay worked together to get him onto an…
Walsall Housing staff have been developing a programme called ‘The George Williams Award’ for residents to participate in during their time at Green Lane. The programme enables the young people to develop their skills, and be ready to move on into independence. The workbook includes fun group sessions (when not in lockdown) such as; How…
Saba Yafi felt compelled to pen her thoughts on how wonderful the YMCA nursery staff have been during this lockdown. Both her husband and Saba are frontline key workers. In addition to this, Saba’s parents are elderly with numerous co-morbidities which means that they are unable to provide help with childcare at this time. Saba…
Luke is one of the young people accessing YMCA Talent Match programme in Dudley. This is his account of his journey, especially during COVID-19. “I would just like to say, my journey with Black Country Talent Match has been absolutely fantastic. From start to finish they have backed up with the support and encouragement, to…
I have been a Supported Lodgings Host for nearly one month and this is my first placement. It’s an exciting day today as David, the young person who has been living with me, will be introducing me to his girlfriend and he is cooking dinner for us all. Before I had a young person on…
Barbara has been a Host for nearly 2 years now. Having raised her own sons, it was a new experience for her having a female young person coming to live in her home. Here is her story.
Pam has had Ryan living with her for just over 6 months. During the COVID-19, lockdown, as a household they have used the time to do lots of activities together.
