YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk

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Time Capsule installed at new YMCA Norfolk Community Hub

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On Thursday 13th August a commemorative time capsule was installed by the the Chief Executive Officer Tim Sweeting, in a small false wall at the new Community Hub under development on Aylsham Road in Norwich.

The time capsule included a collection of YMCA memorabilia, stories, drawings, observations, poems and testimonies collected from YMCA clients and staff from their different locations across Norfolk. 

YMCA Norfolk CEO Tim Sweeting, and sisters Amelie and Cora Bailey, nine and five, with the time capsule

Tim Sweeting commented,

“YMCA has been in Norfolk for over 165 years and has a long and varied history. We are excited to leave a time capsule that will commemorate this exciting moment in our history and act as an important piece of heritage. It will provide a snapshot of this unique time for future generations to explore.

“Through our ambitious Community Hub we are making a long term commitment to the local community that will enable us to serve and support families and youth in the area for many years to come.”

Also present at the installation were sisters and local residents Amelie and Cora Bailey, who are excited about the new hub and its facilities.

Amelie, 9, said, 

“I am looking forward to going to the soft play and café as a treat after school if I have been good.”

Cora, 5, said,

“I am excited because it is right next to my school and Nana can take me there when she picks me up from school.”

The renovations to the building are being conducted by building contractors Cocksedge. Commercial Manager Darren Reeve said,

“It’s great to see a time-capsule being placed here at the new YMCA Hub as we reach a mid-point and now start to close-up areas of the refurbished building.

“Keeping the project on track with new ways of working through the pandemic certainly has been a real team effort, and one which will see the local community, especially young people, benefit from the services that will be on offer at the Hub.

“The project itself has also allowed us to provide opportunities for an apprentice to gain valuable carpentry experience, which aligns with the YMCA’s goals in providing local young people with a focus for education, employment and positive well-being.”

YMCA Norfolk CEO Tim Sweeting installed the Time Capsule in a small false wall at the new Community Hub

Once renovations are completed in early 2021, the Hub will feature community café Williams’ Kitchen, Explorers Soft Play Centre, and Muddy Puddles – an Ofsted registered nursery with an inclusive and compassionate approach to childcare. The nursery aims to encompass a reduced technology approach to childcare, encouraging outdoor play and exploration. More information and the nursery prospectus are available now on the YMCA Norfolk website: www.ymcanorfolk.org.

YMCA Norfolk have received generous support for the Hub in response to fundraising efforts from trusts, foundations, generous individuals and Norfolk County Council. Public support has also helped to raise over £15,000, 60% of the public appeal target of £25,000. 

Members of the public who would like to offer financial support are invited to visit the public appeal page on Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ymcanorfolkcommunityhub

Oscar’s face mask project provides much needed face coverings and essential information to fellow YMCA Norfolk residents

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Oscar’s face masks were distributed amongst residents

YMCA Norfolk Community Housing resident Oscar, knowing first hand how tight money can be for young people during the coronavirus outbreak, wanted to do something to make face masks accessible to others who may find it a struggle to buy one.

Oscar decided to undertake the task of making a number of masks himself, which he donated to the other residents. He also designed and shared an information booklet with more details about the face masks, how to use them and explaining their importance. The project proved invaluable as it coincided with the government update to regulations about wearing face masks in shops.

The masks went down as an enormous success amongst residents, who no longer need to worry about buying a mask and are equipped to adhere to the regulations.

We have been inspired by Oscar’s creativity and dedication, and think this is an amazing example of how one person can be an inspiration for others to follow!

YMCA Norfolk’s Youth West Summer Festival to bring a week of free online events to young people in Norfolk this August 10th – 14th

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The Festival’s 5-day line up boasts a variety of interactive talks, workshops and events, and is completely free to attend. Based on the theme of education, activities and activism, featured guest speakers from local organisations will be speaking about subjects such as LGBT, drugs and alcohol, Black Lives Matter, Mental Health, and Employment and Training.

The festival is also to offer participants the chance to take part in workshops in poetry and lyric writing, stand-up comedy, circus skills and much more, as well as open mic nights where the young people can showcase skills learned throughout the festival.

The Youth West Summer Festival aims to provide meaningful and engaging activities to young people in a supportive and safe environment. This extends from efforts by YMCA Norfolk since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown to continue their work with young people via a newly established online youth club website. The festival is a collective effort from local charities to continue to provide this safe and fun environment online where young people can access support during the summer holidays.

Tim Sweeting, CEO of YMCA Norfolk said,

“In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many youth clubs have had to close leaving young people without the in-person support usually provided by charities like YMCA Norfolk.

“During this unique summer which has left many young people feeling limited in their options, we are pleased to provide an online space where they can relax and have fun, as well as learn skills and access training opportunities.”

Partnering organisations who are helping to run the festival include The Matthew Project, The Benjamin Foundation, The Garage, Swan Youth Project, and the West Norfolk Youth Advisory Board.

Free tickets as well as full details on the festival can be found at www.youthwestsummerfest.com

YMCA Hub brings hope to Norfolk recruitment sector – set to offer at least 20 new jobs in Norwich

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YMCA Hub to create at least 20 new jobs in Norwich.

YMCA Norfolk are looking to recruit at least 20 new staff members to support their multi-service community hub, based on Aylsham road in Norwich. 

Initial recruitment will focus on childcare staff, who will help with the running of Muddy Puddles Nursery – an Ofsted-registered childcare provision based at the site. Roles will include the likes of a nursery manager, deputy manager, early years educators and safeguarding leads. 

All staff will have the chance to take part in various professional development and training initiatives, in line with the charity’s mission to encourage staff members to feel valued and strive to reach their full potential. 

Further roles will become available through the running of the centre’s community café, alongside general building maintenance; providing valuable work at a time where many jobs have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. 

The YMCA Norfolk CEO, Tim Sweeting, said:

“The development of our family-centered community hub will welcome at least 20 new jobs, ranging across nursery and catering industries, with an initial focus on childcare. Expanding the YMCA family is something we are extremely excited about, and can’t wait to have some fantastic childcare professionals as part of our amazing team. 

“We are thrilled to be able to offer some hope to the Norfolk community during a time of uncertainty and worry, and strive to continue making a huge difference to the local community.”

The innovative centre has already provided various work opportunities through contractors and construction workers who are involved in the renovation of the building; which, after a brief delay due to lockdown, is once again under construction. The building company working on the site, Cocksedge, are closely following Government guidelines and have developed a revised health and safety plan to ensure safe working at this time.

YMCA Norfolk are welcoming expressions of interest from the end of the summer, with recruitment for the role of nursery manager beginning in November. Recruitment for other roles will commence in the new year. 

We are encouraging parents and carers to register their interest in nursery places as soon as possible by getting in touch with our childcare team on childcare@ymcanorfolk.org.

Please keep an eye on our social media for further information over the coming months.

YMCA scheme is life-saver for vulnerable youngsters

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Pictured are Elaine and Abdu sharing a cup of coffee.

Living in a modest semi in the Hellesdon area of Norwich, Elaine Tattersall is no less than a life-saver according to the two young refugees for whom she provides a home – and a whole lot more – as part of YMCA Norfolk vital Supported Lodgings scheme. Keith Morris reports.

Abdu was just 14 when he left his home in Africa, where his family faced persecution. In his pocket he had as much money as the family could scrape together to pay the people traffickers who promised to get him to the UK.

He spent the next two years of his young life on the hazardous journey, first travelling thousands of miles across North Africa, and then literally taking his life in his hands to board a totally inadequate boat to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

“I sold my soul to get on the boat,” said Abdu. “The crossing was really difficult. We had problems and finally a big Red Cross ship rescued us half-way across and took us to Italy.”

Travelling with a friend who wanted to get to the UK, Abdu ended up in the notorious Jungle camp at Calais for many months. “It was really, really difficult and I was afraid all the time,” recalled Abdu. “Every day I would try to get to the UK in a lorry and every day they would find you and take you back. Finally, one day, I managed to get across.”

He was discovered in the lorry at Dover and taken first to a children’s camp for a few weeks and then sent to Great Yarmouth where he did not know anybody and he found it really difficult to settle.

YMCA support worker Emmanuel Kouadria managed to find Abdu a place to stay in Norwich, which is when he first met Elaine and his situation started to look a whole lot brighter.

Elaine, a semi-retired Tai Chi teacher, has been providing a home for dozens of young people like Abdu over the past 11 years or so. After her eldest son left home and she had a spare bedroom, she saw an advert fort the Supported Lodgings scheme and has not looked back ever since.

Elaine currently provides her two young lodgers with their own rooms (which they have to look after themselves) and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Also the personal support, alongside their YMCA key worker, that is necessary for them to recover from the situation which found them there in the first place and then to begin to look forward.

“They are all troubled teenagers who, for one reason or another, have been made homeless,” she said. “They might have fallen out with their family, sometimes there is abuse and a couple of young girls got themselves pregnant and did not have the support of their family.”

Then there are young lads like Abdu and Hassan, refugees who have had to fight against the odd to even be there.

“It is about giving them their own space and allowing them to find their feet with education or a job or whatever,” said Elaine. “I am here as a support, but not to do everything for them. There are always up and downs but I do not try to mother them.

“They have to cook and clean up after themselves, do their own washing and shopping. I provide a basic breakfast and they have a fridge and freezer which they share.

“They can come into my lounge and love watching Netflix, but it is my personal space so if I want to use it, I ask them to respect my privacy as well,” she said

The vast majority have stayed with Elaine for at least 18 months, and two years is the usual limit of the agreement with the YMCA, but this can be extended until the young person is found a suitable placement  within YMCA services or external providers.

“It is about them learning to live independently. I am there to offer support and to answer questions and prop them up if necessary or get help from Emmanuel. He will try to find them a placement somewhere in education or getting qualifications for employment,” said Elaine.

Elaine receives £98 per week for each lodger and she welcomes the extra cash.

“Sharing your own house with people who are total strangers when they first come to you, is not for everybody,” she said. “You have to be tolerant and don’t think you can fix people. They have got to come to things in their own time.

“When they move in they sign an agreement with the YMCA and myself and there are a list of rules, but we do tend to work it out as we go along. I don’t allow smoking or drinking in the house and they have to be in by 11pm or let me know what they are doing or if they are staying out with a friend.

“The best thing about the role is when you see people who are ready to move on, they have either healed relationships or they have grown in some way or are just in a better place,” said Elaine.

“As long as we have respect for each other and they learn to grow and start to make a better life for themselves that is my job done.”

Emmanuel helped Abdu find a place at City College studying English and Maths. He also goes to the gym, plays football at the UEA and goes to an acting group at the Theatre Royal. He is also involved with New Routes, an organisation which helps integrate refugees and asylum seekers into the Norfolk community.

“When I came here I had a lot of issues in my mind and I was seeing the doctor every week, but now I fine and am happy and my situation in my mind has gone away,” said Abdu.

“I am so happy to be here, anytime I need help Elaine is there. It feels like my real family and I call Elaine Mum, because she has taught me to cook and how to live a more healthy lifestyle.”

Abdu has some acting experience in his own country and dreams of becoming an actor here. “I want to improve my English and find a career – I am really working hard on it,” he said.

“I wish there was a lot more people like Elaine as without people like her and the YMCA my life would be nothing,” he admitted. “Family is not just about blood. Family is about who loves you and who you love back.”

Case Study

Hassan is originally from Syria. He initially came to the UK aged 16 to study but then had to seek asylum due to the difficult situation back home.

He has been living with Elaine for two years and after passing A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A level, he is now studying Bio-Medicine at UEA and is hoping to do a post-graduate health care course of some sort or get into research.

“Coming here to Elaine’s saved my life really because I had nowhere to go,” said Hassan. “When I came to Norwich I only had one friend but he couldn’t really have me for long. I have been here for two years and it has been great. Even if I did have any concerns I know that I can talk about them any time and be listened to.

“I cook for myself and clean my own room and so on.  The best recipe Elaine taught me was a bean and minced Quorn chilli.  She is like my mother now and Abdu is like my brother.

“The service the YMCA provides is really helpful for a lot of young people. A lot of people I know who are supported by the YMCA would have had completely different lives without their support.

“I don’t know where I would be within the support of Elaine and the YMCA – I don’t really want to think about it – but I am really grateful of that support.”

Some details have been changed to protect the young refugees.

Can you help?

If you have a spare room in your home and would be prepared to open it up to a homeless young person, you could receive up to £120 a week.

The YMCA is looking for people to join its Supported Lodgings team across Norfolk. Training and regular on-going support is always provided.

If you would like to find out more please contact the team:

Email: community.housing@ymcanorfolk.org

Phone: 01603 662455

YMCA Norfolk continues to provide essential support to vulnerable young people and families during the Covid-19 outbreak

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YMCA Norfolk provides vital services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. These services have been deemed essential by the UK government and YMCA Norfolk are continuing to operate during the Covid-19 Pandemic, with new ways being found to provide support whilst adhering to the government’s guidance and social distancing measures. 

Despite the closure of many services across Norwich and Norfolk, the need to support vulnerable young people and families is ever-present, and YMCA Norfolk continues to work diligently to meet this need, through the provision of safe accommodation, and services to support young people’s mental health, wellbeing and independence.

YMCA Norfolk staff members wearing personal protective equipment

Head of Communities, Louise Hinchley said:

“Our families team continues its work to provide support to families across the county through this difficult time. To protect both families, and workers, many support and counselling sessions have moved to online video calls, whilst other clients are being offered telephone support.

“A coordinated effort has seen the delivery of food and toiletry supplies to families in need, and we are also assisting with the swift move of new mothers into safe accommodation. Meanwhile, frontline workers continue to visit those most in need, in their homes, and provide these families with vital support.”

The Youth and Communities Team have also moved their support base online, creating virtual youth groups for young people who would normally attend in person. These groups offer daily devotions, challenges and games, and an opportunity to socialise in a safe and secure environment. The Team are also working hard to provide resources to keep young people engaged in positive activities, such as podcasts from the Mind Matters Team, and videos on crafts, cooking and exercise.

CEO Tim Sweeting said:

“The support we provide to young people and families is more essential than ever in the current situation. I am so proud of our team for the agility they’ve shown to ensure we can continue to offer hope and practical support for those most in need.”

Coronavirus is having a significant financial impact on YMCA Norfolk, and if you would like to offer support to keep these vital services in place please donate via the giving page:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1006418