After almost three years with YMCA Norfolk, Danny is soon set to leave our My Place accommodation to begin living independently.
Danny’s time with YMCA Norfolk started with a period of living at our Central accommodation in 2019, and since then he has taken part in a range of youth-led projects such as Kick the Dust and Life Ready, which seek to teach young people vital living skills as well as provide them with opportunities to enrol in education and training.
As Danny prepares for his positive move on, he wanted to share some words of praise for the ‘unforgettable’ staff who have supported him on his journey:
“I will be moving soon. I have never been a very confident person; I have always been uncertain of my own abilities to live independently. Before I moved here (YMCA Norfolk accommodation) I was quite a mess and lacked many critical skills that a person should have.”
Danny said he previously struggled with cleanliness, looking after his own living quarters, and the ability to navigate his finances such as paying the bills and maintaining important documents for the purpose of government support.
Since his time with YMCA Norfolk, he feels each staff member that’s supported him has individually played an important part in helping him overcome these obstacles:
“Chelsea taught me how to understand many social circumstances that I previously found confusing.
“Franky has taught me how to properly clean and maintain a home, and she has given me insight into emotional questions that I have valued.
“Justin has been a good mentor and has taught me how to be secure in living alone.
“Stephen has been incredibly adept at dealing with my council issues, and even managed to get me photographic ID which we didn’t think was possible.
“Karen is also a very kind and caring individual, she’s incredibly emotionally perceptive and I think she’s someone that everyone feels comfortable talking to.”
Danny added that he thinks it’s ‘important to make sure people understand how special they are in their own ways.’
“It can be hard to continue living, especially nowadays, and life is challenging; but there are many residents here whose lives have been permanently altered for the better by the people working here: so I would like them to know how impactful they have been.
“It has been a privilege to have been tutored by the staff at YMCA Norfolk, and I will never forget them or their experiences. We often overlook these things in the present, and don’t value them until later in life,” he said.
We’re extremely proud to say that Danny’s life and every day habits have completely transformed: he now manages his money very well, keeps on top of his health and hygiene, cooks for himself every day, has gained his tenancy qualifications, presents his accommodation immaculately and is motivated to continue with his personal studies.
“I am confident I will be okay on my own, and that I will accomplish everything I have set out to do. Thank you for the opportunities you gave me by accepting me here. You are good people.”
Sharon Greener, My Place Housing Manager, commented on Danny’s journey:
“Danny does not realise what his kind words means to us. He has come so far on his journey and we’re confident that he is equipped and ready to live independently so that he can follow his dreams.
“He will continue to be supported by his key worker, and the My Place staff are always here for him whenever he needs us. We wish him all the luck in the world.”
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: