From crisis to confidence
Becky came to YMCA shortly after the start of the pandemic in early 2020, following a particularly difficult period in her life. She had been working and living in a local pub, but difficult living conditions meant it was no longer suitable. Prior to this, she had been evicted from her previous flat due to…
Hope, support & a path forward – Evie’s journey
Evie (pseudonym), a young person in care, moved into YMCA supported accommodation following a period of significant instability, including a relationship breakdown at home and a lack of secure housing. Before arriving, Evie had experienced a turbulent upbringing and periods of unsafe living arrangements, which had a lasting impact on her emotional wellbeing and sense…
From homelessness to higher education
Kamal (pseudonym), a young adult, moved into YMCA accommodation after experiencing homelessness following a period of housing instability. He had previously spent time in temporary accommodation after arriving in the UK, but when this came to an end, he experienced a period of street homelessness before being referred to YMCA TGG. When Kamal arrived, his…
Support that makes a difference – Lucy’s story
Lucy (name changed) came to YMCA Thames Gateway Group in May 2023 after a period of homelessness caused by a breakdown in family relationships. This was not her first stay with us, but it marked the beginning of a significant turning point in her life. When Lucy arrived, she was facing a combination of mental…
Zainab’s path back to strength and confidence
Prior to her diagnosis, Zainab lived an active and fulfilling life. But cancer – and the difficult side effects of treatment – left her feeling physically depleted and emotionally overwhelmed. Unsure how to move forward, she found herself at her lowest point. At 57, Zainab discovered our programme at a local cancer wellbeing event. Eager…
John – embracing life post diagnosis
John, aged 55, was treated for throat cancer in early 2023, and after 35 gruelling radiotherapy sessions and two rounds of chemotherapy, wasn’t physically able to cope with a final round of chemo to complete the treatment. The side effects of the treatment really took a toll on John, who then struggled to eat, drink…
Anthony’s fighting spirit wins through
Anthony’s journey with YMCA started when he was just 16 and a student at our Horizon Project. The course, which equips young people with carpentry and joinery skills, is designed to help students who are hard-to-reach, have SEN or additional needs to get back into education, training or employment. Life back then was difficult for…
Luke triumphs over adversity
Luke’s upbringing was marked by turbulence, living with an abusive father who is now serving time in prison for multiple violent crimes. This experience affected Luke in many ways and left him feeling scared, isolated and very anxious about going outside. This in turn impacted on Luke’s experience of school which was also challenging. Whilst Luke’s…
Carol’s journey back to fitness
Carol, 57, was initially diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer back in 2021. Following a full mastectomy and reconstruction surgery to her right side, she was then diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. This then resulted in six rounds of chemotherapy and a series of Herceptin injections for a further 10 months. Prior to diagnosis,…