• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
YMCA Norfolk
YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk

Helping young people towards a brighter future

  • Who We Are
    • Our Vision, Mission & Values
    • Our History
    • Our Executive Team
    • Our Board
    • Info for Funders
    • Annual Review
  • What We Do
    • Family and Youth Work
      • Family Support
      • Youth Clubs & Services
      • Muddy Puddles Nursery
      • Partnerships
    • Health and Wellbeing
      • Wellbeing Matters
      • Mental Health Training & Counselling Service
    • Housing
      • Accommodation
        • My Place, Norwich
        • Norwich Central
        • Community Housing Norwich
        • St Pauls Lodge Great Yarmouth
        • Community Housing Kings Lynn
        • Umbrella, Norwich
      • Supported Lodgings
      • Norfolk Nightstop Plus
    • Training and Education
      • Muddy Puddles Nursery
      • E-learning Service
    • Support and Advice
      • Chaplaincy
      • SOS Bus
    • YMCA Aylsham Road
      • Williams' Kitchen
      • Explorers Soft Play
      • Children's Parties
      • Meeting Room Hire
    • For Funders & Commissioners
  • News and Events
    • Latest News
    • Case Studies
    • Events
      • YMCA Abseiling Challenge
      • Sleep Easy 2026
      • Run for YMCA Norfolk
  • Get Involved
    • Join Our Team
    • Volunteer
    • Become a Trustee
    • Room Sponsorship
    • School Partnerships
    • Corporate Partnerships
    • Supported Lodgings and Nightstop
    • A Gift in Your Will
    • Charity Shops
  • Contact Us
    • Compliments and Complaints
    • Charity Shops
Show Search
Hide Search
DONATE

Emma’s Story: “I have achieved so much since being with YMCA Norfolk”

1st November 2021 by Harriet King

Disclaimer: story mentions self-harm. Emma’s name has been changed to protect her identity.


Screenshot 2021 11 01 at 09.54.54


“I came to YMCA Norfolk because things at home were getting very bad and my mental health was suffering. I was living with my dad and step-mother, and due to friction and arguments in the household, it was getting to the point where I was self-harming every day.

I found out about YMCA Norfolk because my brother is living there, and I thought it would be a safe and secure place to get the support and help I needed. I moved into Central (John Drake House) 13 months ago and received lots of support through regular 1-2-1 meetings with my support worker.

In fact, my support worker not only helped me through some really bad times, but also helped me to receive the support I needed to stop self-harming.  

I began to gain self-confidence and self-worth and was able to successfully manage my accommodation and rent at Central; meaning I could move over to My Place (YMCA Norfolk’s 40-place hostel in central Norwich, where residents are provided with their own flat to encourage independence).

I feel really proud of myself for managing my move to My Place and I feel I have achieved so much since being here. My mental health is improving; I have learnt more coping mechanisms and I am learning to have more self-respect. I feel stronger and I am growing daily. Through my support meetings I have been able to express my feelings and a gain a better understanding of myself.

My hopes for the future are to continue working on my mental health – which is improving on a daily basis – as well as to live in my own flat. I’m also currently talking to my support worker about a career in childcare and/or working with children, as this is something I’ve always wanted to do, and thanks to the team at YMCA Norfolk I have gained confidence, feel more focused and most importantly, feel listened to.”

If you’re a young person seeking help, please get in touch with our housing team.

If you’re inspired by Emma’s story and would like to support us in transforming young lives, please consider:

  • Fundraising with us
  • Volunteering with us
  • Donating to our mission
  • Leaving a gift in your will

Filed Under: Case Studies, LATEST NEWS

Footer

About Us

  • Our Vision, Mission, Values and Identity
  • Our Executive Team
  • Our Board
  • Privacy Policy
  • Safeguarding Policy
  • Equality & Diversity Policy

Get Involved

  • Join Our Team
  • Donate
  • Corporate Support
  • Volunteer
  • Charity Shops

Stay in touch

Fundraising Regulator badge with validation link

YMCA Norfolk

Registered Address:
YMCA Norfolk
Aylsham Road
Norwich
NR3 2HF

Registered in England No. 02067523
Registered Charity Number 801606

Registered Social Housing Provider No. H3868

YMCA
YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.
SUPPORT & ADVICEACCOMMODATIONFAMILY WORKHEALTH & WELLBEINGTRAINING & EDUCATION

Copyright © 2025 YMCA Norfolk · Graphic Design by Bourne Creative · Web development © 2019 Pathlight Design