May


12

#Payingitforward as a YMCA Youth Ambassador

Adele is 18 years old.  She enjoys working with children and regularly volunteers at a local charity shop.  As well as studying for A levels, Adele works for YMCA Romford part time as a birthday party host. Soon after she joined Adele heard that YMCA England and Wales were looking for young people to attend…

May


12

Young resident Wesley realises his own potential

Back in 2018, Wesley was living at home with his dad and his dad’s partner until their landlord increased the rent and they were forced to move to a smaller one-bedroom property. This meant that there was no room for Wesley. Homeless and with nowhere to go, Wesley had no choice but to sleep in…

May


12

Prashanta’s fresh start and a time to advocate for change

Before coming to the YMCA, Prashanta, aged 24, lived at home with his parents and sister.  He had known since childhood that he was gay but feared that his family and community would not be able to come to terms with his sexuality. Prashanta’s family are from South Asia, where same-sex relationships are still widely…

May


12

Merger with YMCA West Kent

COMING TOGETHER TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO HOMELESS PEOPLE – 29 March 2021 YMCA Thames Gateway is pleased to share its merger with YMCA West Kent, enabling the two organisations to combine their strengths, skills, resources and knowledge to better serve the people and communities they work with across London, Kent and Essex. YMCA West Kent…

Mar


24

Young athlete Shandell gets his life back on track

Things were difficult at home for Shandell, who, after constant arguments with his dad, decided that the best course of action was to move out of the family home. This was a tough time for Shandell, who as a promising athlete, was struggling to stay focused and even left his athletics club of five years…