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 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.”
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