Before coming to YMCA Norfolk, Hannah was living with her mum in Wroxham. At 13-years-old she started a relationship with a much older male who had been grooming her. Hannah’s mum, who was aware of the situation, allowed the man to move in with them: encouraging the two of them to have sexual relations.
Hannah’s older sister thankfully intervened and told Hannah to stay with her while they reported it to the police. The police told Hannah to return to her mums and said that they would visit her to file a report. However, after a few days of being back at her mums, Hannah had had enough and decided to run away to live with her dad.
Due to her dad being on license for a criminal conviction, a social worker visited Hannah at her dad’s home – which was the first time she had met a social worker. They agreed that Hannah should not return to her mums, she therefore continued to live with her dad for 3 years until the relationship broke down (due to Hannah’s dad drinking). Sadly, Hannah was kicked out of her dad’s home and forced to find alternative accomodation.
At the time, Hannah could only afford to stay at a two-star hotel on Earlham Road, Norwich. After notifying a social worker of her situation, Hannah was referred to YMCA Norfolk for a housing assessment. The day she was assessed at YMCA Norfolk’s Central Youth Hostel (John Drake House), in March 2021, she moved into the property.
Hannah said: “when I first moved into YMCA I felt really anxious, nervous and overwhelmed. Due to the trauma that I suffered throughout my childhood, I turned to drugs, drinking and partying.”
Hannah was unfortunately evicted from YMCA Norfolk Central due to the above, and sofa surfed between her mums, dads and aunts. After three months, Hannah was eligible to reapply for accommodation at YMCA Norfolk, who gave her a second chance.
“I had the chance to start again and I worked hard to prove myself and show staff that I was serious and wanted the help and support. I made the most of the second chance and demonstrated that I was serious – putting in the hard work to prove that I was ready to move onto My Place [40 self-contained flatlets maintained by YMCA Norfolk].”
Hannah spent the next few months engaging in positive activities such as gardening and cooking, and also learnt new skills through taking part in ‘Life Ready’ workshops (a training and education project ran by YMCA Norfolk).
“The support that Central gave me and the patience they showed me made me realise that there was more to life than what I had been through. When I moved into My Place, I was really excited and happy. I felt that I had grown up, and despite initial nerves, I have really flourished since living here,” Hannah added.
Hannah said her housing engagement worker made her ‘feel at ease’ and ‘earnt her respect.’
“With the help of my engagement worker and my dad, I have found the courage to contact the police to chase up the grooming investigation – which had come to a stand-still.
“There have been times when it has all been too much for me: I have broken down and thought I could not get through it at all. But I learnt to confide in the staff at YMCA, who would lighten my mood through the challenging times. I now speak to my engagement worker daily about the case – to let out my frustrations instead of letting it all build up,” Hannah said.
Hannah hopes that the police investigation will soon reach a conclusion with the right outcome so that ‘the male and her mum can’t hurt anyone else.’
“With everything that has gone on in my life, I have learnt that stability is possible. Thanks to YMCA Norfolk, this is the first time in a long time that I have felt safe. They have made it possible for me to change my life around – I now have a different outlook, with better self-esteem and self-worth. I know that people care about me, and I can speak to YMCA staff without judgement.”
Hannah hopes to one day have a home of her own and is currently working on her mental health with plans to return to work.
YMCA Norfolk houses more than 240 young people like Hannah every year, not only offering a safe place to live but also a caring support worker who is on-hand to offer 1-to-1 support and advice.
If you’re a young person seeking help, please get in touch with our housing team.
If you’re inspired by Hannah’s story and would like to support us in transforming young lives, please consider: