Life before YMCA
Damien’s life took an unexpected turn after leaving an engineering course to join the army. Unfortunately, an injury forced him out of military service, leaving him without stable housing. Returning to his mother’s overcrowded home—eight people in a three-bedroom house—was not sustainable. With nowhere else to go, Damien reached out to YMCA Norfolk.
Challenges
- Sudden loss of career direction after leaving the army.
- Overcrowded living conditions and homelessness risk.
- Lack of experience living independently.
- Navigating education and employment while managing financial constraints.
YMCA Norfolk’s Support
On the very day Damien had nowhere to go, YMCA Norfolk offered him a room. This marked the start of a transformative journey. Through supported accommodation, Damien learned essential life skills:
- Independent Living: Staff provided guidance without doing tasks for him, fostering independence.
- Education & Employment Advice: YMCA helped Damien understand Universal Credit rules and secure funding for training.
- Training Opportunities: They funded a forklift course, improving his employability.
- Further Education Support: YMCA assisted with college funding, enabling Damien to plan for university.
Impact
Damien’s time at YMCA Norfolk reignited his ambitions:
- He is exploring university courses, likely in engineering.
- He hopes to rejoin the army in the future—not as an escape, but as a purposeful career choice.
- He has gained confidence, independence, and a clear vision for his future.
Quote from Damien
“Before I came here, I’d never lived independently. YMCA supported me to do things myself—it’s life lessons everybody needs to learn.”