Case Studies
From street homeless to University aspirations, YMCA Norfolk’s Iman turns his life around.
Iman joined YMCA Norfolk in 2020, looking for a fresh start among the Covid-19 pandemic. Since his time living with us and engaging in positive activities, he has not…
“Thanks to YMCA Norfolk, I feel safe for the first time in a long time” – Hannah’s Story
Before coming to YMCA Norfolk, Hannah was living with her mum in Wroxham. At 13-years-old she started a relationship with a much older male who had been grooming her.…
“I will never forget YMCA Norfolk – thank you for accepting me” – Danny’s Story
After almost three years with YMCA Norfolk, Danny is soon set to leave our My Place accommodation to begin living independently. Danny’s time with YMCA Norfolk started with a…
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Andrew’s Story: “The staff at YMCA Norfolk have not only supported me, but also improved every single aspect of my life.”
Before moving into YMCA Norfolk’s accommodation, Andrew was a participant of On Track – a countywide project that aims to clear barriers to work for young people in Norfolk…
Emma’s Story: “I have achieved so much since being with YMCA Norfolk”
Disclaimer: story mentions self-harm. Emma’s name has been changed to protect her identity. “I came to YMCA Norfolk because things at home were getting very bad and my mental…
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“YMCA has given me a second chance at my life” – James’ Story
James came to YMCA Norfolk after experiencing troubles whilst living at home with his Mum, who has Bipolar Disorder, and feeling like it was affecting his own mental health…
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Josh’s Journey to Independent Living
After living with his Grandmother for several years, Josh moved into YMCA Norfolk Community Housing to help him on his journey to independent living. 8 months later, Josh has successfully moved on, and has told the story of his YMCA experience.
Alex’s story: ‘being part of the YMCA community has transformed my life’
Alexandra Waters, YMCA Norfolk client, moved into YMCA accommodation earlier this year after fleeing a verbally abusive relationship with an ex. After engaging in a huge range of positive…
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Chef Bobby tells his incredible transformation from service user to staff member
Bobby, former YMCA Norfolk client, has recently started working as a Chef at our Stepping Stones Café by Norwich bus station. We spoke to him about his amazing transformation…
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Martine rebuilds her life with the help of YMCA’s Yvonne
At YMCA Norfolk’s Annual Celebration 2019 on November 7, Yvonne, YMCA Norfolk Volunteer, and Martine, YMCA Norfolk client, faced the stage together to tell supporters their inspirational story: “After…
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Farewell Lynton: Read about his inspiring transformation with YMCA Norfolk
As much loved staff member – Lynton Adams- bids farewell to YMCA Norfolk to move back to London, we reflect on his exceptional transition from service user to long-term…
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Norwich teenager Jazz fights back to be an inspiration
Norwich teenager Jazz Mickleburgh has fought back from losing her mother and attempting suicide to become an inspirational speaker and be named YMCA Norfolk Volunteer of the Year at…
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Jamie’s journey from sofa surfing to Great Yarmouth role model
A year ago he was living on his family and friends’ sofas, but today ‘role model’ Jamie Copping has transformed his fortunes thanks to YMCA Norfolk. (more…)
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Housing Engagement Worker Ben retrains to become a Mental Health First Aid Trainer
Inspired to help young people experiencing mental health difficulties, Ben retrained to become a Mental Health First Aid Trainer for YMCA Norfolk. Read more about his story…. (more…)
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From Volunteering at YMCA to Opening Doors in Kenya
I started off as a volunteer at YMCA Norfolk during my time at UEA. My key role in the organisation was to strengthen the positive social impact among the…
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Refugee’s brave journey to a new life in Norwich
War, prison, blackmail, hazardous seas and being locked into a container lorry were not enough to stop brave Sudanese refugee Hafiz Omar battling his way to Norwich and the…
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Christopher’s New Life as a YMCA Volunteer
At YMCA Norfolk we value all our volunteers, and Christopher is no exception. With his experience of homelessness and family break-up, he is the perfect role model for the…
YMCA young volunteer inspires the next generation at Friday Hub
Tavis tells us his story of moving from being a young person at the youth club to volunteering and inspiring the next generation… (more…)
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YMCA helps Jordan make it through the storm
When Jordan Corstorphine first moved to the YMCA’s My Place flats in Norwich in December 2015, staff not only made him feel welcome but also supported him in taking…
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YMCA kickboxing inspires Mark’s hopes for future
When Mark Bleasdale heard about kickboxing sessions being offered though the YMCA in Great Yarmouth, he thought “why not give it a go” – so he did just that…
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A bright future ahead for Jason
After a year in the kitchen of YMCA Norfolk’s Stepping Stones Café in Norwich, Jason Bryant is leaving with a passion for cooking, a chef qualification and a plan…
Rebel Lee is well on the way to reaching his potential
When self-confessed rebel Lee first moved into a YMCA Norfolk house in King’s Lynn he was not ready to change his rebellious ways, but a second chance came along,…
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Thomas has sad Christmas memories but hope for the future
Laying a holly wreath on his mother’s grave is a Christmas ritual for YMCA Norfolk Supported Lodgings resident, 22-year-old Thomas Hannant, and a sad reminder of this time of…
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Kendall’s Story
Arguments with her family and problems with alcohol meant Kendal’s life was out of control. This is Kendal’s story. (more…)
Jake is winning his daily battles
Jake Shore faces daily battles with depression and anxiety and also a drug addiction, but, thanks to support from the team at YMCA Norfolk in King’s Lynn, he is…