When Stewart arrived at YMCA Western Gateway Housing in West Bromwich following the breakdown of a long-term relationship, he was struggling with depression, unemployment and financial difficulties. He found it difficult to engage with others and spent much of his time alone in his room. Seeing his son each week was often the highlight of his time at YMCA.
Having been unemployed for a long time, Stewart had very little disposable income, with any spare money he did have going towards supporting his son, often at the expense of his own wellbeing. As a result, he began to fall behind on his rent and wasn’t looking after himself properly, leading to weight loss and a decline in his overall health.
Stewart’s keyworker supported him to access talking therapies, helping him to speak to his GP and accompanying him to his first appointment. Although there was a lengthy wait for therapeutic support, once he started attending regular sessions there was a noticeable improvement in his mental wellbeing and confidence.
Working alongside his keyworker, Stewart began addressing some of the practical challenges he faced. He agreed a plan to tackle his rent arrears and gradually reduced them until they were cleared completely. He also put better budgeting arrangements in place, allowing him to continue supporting his son while managing his own finances more effectively.
As his confidence improved, Stewart started exploring opportunities to get back into work. He successfully completed his CSCS card training and began considering a career in the security industry. He identified a CCTV Monitoring qualification that would strengthen his employment prospects, but the £244 course fee was out of reach financially. His keyworker applied to the YMCA Moving Forward Fund on his behalf, enabling him to complete the course. Stewart passed successfully and, less than two weeks later, was offered a job. The role began on a part-time basis following a three-week training programme.
Returning to work after a long period of isolation was not without its challenges. Stewart initially found interacting with members of the public difficult, so his keyworker encouraged him to become more involved in activities at YMCA and to make use of the facilities available, including joining the gym. These opportunities helped him rebuild his confidence and settle into the workplace.
As he moved into employment, YMCA continued to support him to ensure he could maintain his tenancy and plan for the future. Through the Thrive to Work Fund, Stewart received financial support that helped him manage his housing costs while also putting money aside towards moving into independent accommodation.
Today, Stewart is actively preparing for his next move into a home of his own. He has maintained his tenancy, continues to progress in employment and, six months after securing his role, was promoted to a supervisory position.
The Difference Fundraising Makes
Stewart’s story demonstrates how additional support can make a significant difference at key moments in someone’s journey.
The qualification that helped him secure employment was funded through the Moving Forward Fund, while the support that enabled him to maintain his tenancy and begin saving for independent living came through the Thrive to Work Fund. Both initiatives are funded through charitable donations and fundraising activity.
Events such as Sleep Easy, alongside regular giving from supporters via our Roomsponsor campaign, make it possible for YMCA Black Country Group to provide these opportunities. While funded services cover accommodation and core support, charitable income allows us to go further, helping people access training, overcome financial barriers, secure employment and build a stable future.
Without the generosity of our fundraisers, donors and supporters, many of these opportunities would simply not exist. Stewart’s journey is one example of how that support can help someone overcome challenges and move towards lasting independence.
Could you donate?
If you are able to give, please give a one-off donation to our Moving Forward Fund, which supports our residents to access a grant to pay for essential items they need to thrive, such as qualifications, furniture items for their new home or bicycles to make their commute a little easier
For only £12 a month, you could become a Roomsponsor and help more people like Stewart access the support they need to keep working whilst they get back on their feet.
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