Young YMCA Norfolk clients have come together to encourage schools across Norfolk to join with the Christian charity to raise awareness of its work and to help raise funds.
Young people from three YMCA housing services in Norwich – John Drake House, My Place and Throckmorton Yard – came together to appeal to schools to get involved.
YMCA Norfolk schools fundraising officer, Priscilla Graham, said: “These young people would like an opportunity to reach out to schools, to be able to tell their stories as well as explain what support they have received since being at the YMCA and how this has impacted them. The support has included housing, gaining employment or maintaining education and preparing them for independent living.”
Amy Moore, a My Place resident, said: “No-one knows when they will become homeless and it is important for young people to know where support is available for them if it does happen. This is why I would like to work with schools to raise awareness about the work of the YMCA.”
Priscilla said: “These young people would like to be able to help other young people know where support is available for them if they find themselves homeless, as they themselves have experienced homelessness and understand the impact this can have.
“There is also the opportunity to help raise vital funds to ensure that young people can, in the future, receive the same support. The young people have written a joint letter, which will be sent to schools across Norfolk to help encourage them to support YMCA Norfolk.
“YMCA Norfolk would like to work with schools across the county to not only raise awareness of the work that it currently does, but also to celebrate 160 years of providing a service in Norfolk. We are hoping that we will be able to inspire schools to join with us and raise funds so that we can continue this work for another 160 years.”
If you are currently working or connected to a school, and would like to get involved with this project, please feel free to contact Priscilla Graham, Schools fundraising Officer on fundraisingofficer@ymcanorfolk.org for more information.
Pictured above YMCA Norfolk clients compose a letter to schools.