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 from YMCA, and has told the story of his experience.
“At the start of 2019, I was living with my Grandmother, where I had lived since my mother passed away in 2011. Over the years of living with my Grandmother, I went to college, my mental health slowly improved, and I became a Young Ambassador for the Prince’s Trust.
It was one month before I turned 25 and overall, things were going ok. I decided it was time to make a step forward with my life and find a place of my own.
At first, I struggled to know how to begin with this process. I knew I could apply via the council, but that the waiting time for accommodation could be years long. I spoke to MAP in Norwich, and they pointed me towards the YMCA and helped me complete the paperwork.
Soon after I had a meeting with a member of YMCA staff and they quickly found me room of my own at Throckmorton Yard, and a place where I could grow in independence.
The transition was difficult at first, and the first night was really challenging. But soon I began to settle in nicely, with the support of family, friends and YMCA.
I lived in the accommodation for 8 months before I was ready to move on. Now looking back, those 8 months passed quickly and trouble free.
If there’s anything I’ve learned by living at YMCA, it’s that you’re never alone in your journey – help is always there if you just ask for it.”