A large and enthusiastic audience at the Salvation Army Citadel in Norwich enjoyed a Last Night of the Proms evening to raise £2,500 for the work of YMCA Norfolk on Saturday October 14.
They were entertained with classical music from the East of England Co-Op Band, David Taylor on the euphonium and Bethany Grimshaw on vocals.
Fundraising manager Susie Knights spoke about the vital work of the YMCA: “Every night we provide a safe home and support for over 260 homeless young people. Last year we received applications from almost 600 young people for support and accommodation and were able to provide 210 young people with a positive move into independent living. Our challenge is to fill this gap and reach more young people this and next year. With the generous support of our supporters at events like the Last Night of the Proms we will see this vision realised.”
YMCA resident Matthew Goodall spoke movingly about his life, which he has spent in foster care from the age of four. When, at the age of 18, he was asked to consider moving out, he found a place with YMCA Norfolk. He told the audience: “They offered me both a place to stay and also a way of learning how everything works when you have your own place to live and the reality of the situation.
“The knowledge I have gained has helped me to stop worrying about the future. The YMCA team helped me to think more long term in my goals and where I wish to live and also made me less reliant on others to get anything done.”