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YMCA Norfolk

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Harriet King

The true cost of inflation for homeless and vulnerable young people in Norwich

27th March 2023 by Harriet King

Screenshot 2023 03 27 at 12.46.59

With inflation at a 41-year high, young people across the UK continue to be one of the hardest hit demographics affected by the cost of living crisis and economic fall-out from COVID-19. 

YMCA Norfolk, the longest-standing youth charity in the county, were keen to reflect on the impact of the cost of living with their Norwich-based young people – many of whom suffer from long-term mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and PTSD and therefore have limited capacity around gaining employment and earning a stable income.  

The charity houses over 240 young people (aged 16-25) in Norfolk each year, with 38 clients living at their Central Youth Accomodation at Norwich Bus Station, 40 clients living at My Place on Bethel Street and a further 48 across their Norwich Community Housing units. 

A number of clients are high-risk with complex needs and therefore have less opportunities to obtain full-time employment when they first enter YMCA Norfolk’s services. Many rely on government support such as universal credit to pay for everyday costs and essential items.. 

As reported in YMCA England and Wales recent research, ‘Generation Cut’, basic necessities are becoming unaffordable; items such as pasta have increased in price by 60%, with many anticipating that food prices will continue to rise. 

YMCA Norfolk spoke to their staff and young people to explore how this research translates on a local level, specifically how it has impacted those who were already struggling with a lack of financial resources prior to the spike in inflation. 

In a recent survey sent to YMCA Norfolk housing clients, 100% of participants said they had seen a rise in cost of food prices in the last 6 months, 90% said they had seen a rise in cost of personal items (toiletries, clothing etc.) and 70% said they had seen a rise in cost of transport (train and bus fayre). 

Commenting on the backlash on the increase in everyday living, one client commented: 

“I’ve been affected quite badly by the cost of living crisis. I find it really stressful not knowing if I’ll be able to afford food for the rest of the month, while constantly having to budget for food as prices continue to rise. 

“I get so stressed out and anxious some months that it makes me physically nauseous.”

Many housing clients also commented on how the increase in everyday payments has meant a decrease in their budget towards leisure activities, which has affected their mental health due to a lack of social interaction. 

Justin Poll-Drane, Senior Housing Engagement Worker at My Place, commented: 

“Although our clients know they can come to us for their essential items, and we are fortunate to receive lots of donations from the local community, they often feel embarrassed about having to turn to us for the likes of food – which they feel they should be able to afford themselves. 

“We have sadly seen many young people reduce what they buy or some even miss a meal a day to be able to afford to eat for a whole month, because they would rather do this than deal with the embarrassment of asking for a food bank voucher. 

“They worry that asking for help for essentials is a sign that they cannot manage their money, and will therefore affect their move-on journey. Even though this isn’t the case, I can understand why they feel this way.”

Out of the YMCA Norfolk staff who participated in a similar survey, 100% said they’ve noticed an increase in anxiety among clients in the last 6 months since the rise in inflation, and 75% said they’ve noticed clients socialising less due to struggling to afford leisure activities. 

Ruth Vaughan, YMCA Norfolk Youth Coach, commented:

“The impact of inflation has a domino effect on our young people and causes a hard-to-break cycle: they feel stressed and anxious about the economic climate, which leads to a decrease in motivation, pushing them further away from being job-ready. 

“While we offer a range of budgeting and tenancy management courses, we can’t change the speed of inflation and the way it impacts our young people. We can only continue to work hard to educate them on managing their finances and encourage them to engage in positive activities, so they know that we’re here to support them through such challenging times.” 

YMCA Norfolk offers clients a range of training, education and employment programmes such as Life Ready – a youth-led activities programme overseen by a group of passionate youth coaches. Clients also have access to therapy, support workers and positive activities, providing a holistic support service and helping them to feel ready for independent living. 

John Lee, YMCA Norfolk CEO, commented: 

“We hear on a daily basis from the young people we support how increasingly hard it is for them. Whilst it always been difficult to be a young person at risk of homelessness, it has become exponentially harder over the last few years with increasing costs and cuts to support services. 

“The funding cuts to services make it harder to overcome barriers which are stopping young people achieving their goals. 

“We are lucky to benefit from great partnerships with Norfolk County Council and the District councils alongside other charities. Together our staff are working hard to make the difference where they can but as the quotes from our clients and staff in this report show, an increasing number of our young people are crisis point.”

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

Norwich fundraisers sleep rough in the snow raising over £10,000 for YMCA Norfolk

11th March 2023 by Harriet King

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YMCA Norfolk held their annual Sleep Easy fundraising event on Friday 10 March, where more than 40 supporters joined hundreds of people across the country in sleeping anywhere but their bed to raise awareness of the thousands of young people made homeless each year.

Participants joined a team from Ashton Legal – who sponsored the event, as well as Karen Vincent, chair of Norfolk County Council, and braved the cold for one night – sleeping in carboard boxes in the YMCA Community Hub car park on Aylsham Road, Norwich. 

Sleep Easy participant, Fiona Stuart – who is also the Chair of YMCA Norfolk and a partner at Ashton’s Legal, said:

“It was an absolute pleasure to share the Sleep Easy 2023 experience with so many like-minded people, coming together to raise awareness around youth homelessness.

“A night outside in a cardboard box, in -5 temperatures, really brought home the reality that so many of our youth face in this day and age.

“I would really encourage others to join YMCA Norfolk in the future and take part in Sleep Easy – collaborating with the charity to raise vital funds to those most in need.” 

Sleep Easy is one of the biggest fundraising events of the year, challenging people to experience homelessness for one night by camping out in unconventional places. All monies raised from the evening go towards delivering much-needed support for homeless young people every day in Norfolk.

John Lee, Chief Executive of YMCA Norfolk, also spent the night in a cardboard box in aid of the cause:

“It was a really cold night with temperatures reaching below freezing, however it has also been extremely rewarding for everyone who took part. It was amazing to see so many people come together to raise money and support young people in Norfolk. 

“We’re extremeley pleased to announce that we reached our fundraising goal of £10,000. The money will go towards bed spaces for homeless and vulnerable young people, offering them the chance to speak to trusted YMCA Norfolk professionals about reaching their life goals and aspirations. 

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to the campaign, and we are extremely grateful to all of our participants who braved the cold and made Sleep Easy 2023 such an inspirational experience.”

To show your support to YMCA Norfolk’s Sleep Easy 2023 campaign, please donate here. 

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

Sleep rough on 10 March so young people like Hannah don’t have to

16th February 2023 by Harriet King

Screenshot 2022 10 03 at 14.13.28

YMCA Norfolk is calling on the Norfolk community to take on their Sleep Easy fundraising challenge – asking supporters to sleep rough for one night to raise vital funds and awareness for youth homelessness.

The charity is set to host Sleep Year 2023 on Friday 10 March at YMCA Norfolk’s Community Hub on Aylsham Road (Norwich), where fundraisers will leave to their warm beds for one night and sleep rough at the hub’s car park in make-shift cardboard boxes.  

The challenge is hosted in partnership with sponsors, Ashton’s Legal, who have also entered a team to take part in the event alongside a number of other Norfolk businesses. 

Stefan Mitham, Head of Marketing at Ashtons Legal, said: “At Ashtons Legal, our commitment to the community doesn’t stop when we leave the office at the end of each day. We believe It Is Important to contribute to life beyond work and improve the lives of those around us. We are proud of our commitment to the Sleep Easy challenge and some of our staff will experience first-hand the struggle our local young people face day to day”

“YMCA Norfolk do an amazing job with supporting our young people across the county and I hope we raise as much funds as possible so they can continue to make a difference.”

Sleep Easy is one of the charity’s biggest fundraising events of the year, and YMCA Norfolk will be joining YMCAs from across England and Wales in hosting the event, which first began in 2010. Since then, more than 7,000 fundraisers have slept rough across England in order to raise over vital funds for local YMCA services that assist young people in rebuilding their lives. 

Hannah, 18, is a YMCA Norfolk housing member whose life has been drastically transformed by the charity’s support and accommodation services after her extremely challenging upbringing:

Hannah was sadly groomed into a relationship with a much older man at just 13-years old, living with him and her mum in Wroxham, forced to have sexual relations underage. 

Hannah eventually managed to escape the relationship to live with her dad, but due to his alcohol addiction was kicked out of the family home 3 years later and made homeless at only 16-years-old.

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 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, Justin, made her ‘feel at ease’ and ‘earnt her respect.’

“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.

“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 added.

Hannah is one of hundreds of young people who would be living in an unsafe, vulnerable situation if it wasn’t for YMCA Norfolk’s intervention and support. 

The charity is aiming to raise up £10,000 from this year’s Sleep Easy, and funds will go towards transforming the lives of homeless and vulnerable young people across Norfolk, such as Hannah. 

Young people living at YMCA’s accommodation units are not only provided with a safe space to stay but also encouraged to engage in positive activities as well as counselling services, training, education, and skills-based support to move onto independent living when they’re ready to do so. 

John Lee, YMCA Norfolk CEO (who is taking part in Sleep Easy 2023), commented on the fundraising event:

“Sleep Easy is not only essential for raising much needed funds, but it also highlights the reality of youth homelessness and why no one should ever have to experience it. 

“We’re extremely grateful to all of our supporters, fundraisers and sponsors who have pledged to take part in Sleep Easy 2023 – community support is vital to all charitable operations, and we’re hoping to raise as much money this year as possible given the current climate.”  

To register and/or donate to YMCA Norfolk’s Sleep Easy event this year, please click here.

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

We’re expanding: could you be YMCA Norfolk’s new Chaplain?

13th February 2023 by Harriet King

Screenshot 2023 02 13 at 11.55.34

YMCA Norfolk are seeking a new part-time Chaplain to work across the county delivering pastoral support to both staff and young people, to build on the inspiring work of previous chaplains and pastoral support.

Chaplaincy work is key area of delivery for the charity, which has a distinctive Christian ethos – enabling people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit.

The Chaplain role is designed to offer staff and young people a non-judgemental ‘listening ear’ as well as prayer and guidance.

The role will also consist of support-based delivery such as leading devotions and weekly staff prayer meetings, engaging young people and staff in wellbeing support and positives activities, and building partnerships with local Churches, Christians and faith-based organisations. Tasks will also include recruiting, training and leading a team of volunteer chaplains to expand the team’s delivery.

YMCA Norfolk are asking that candidates have an excellent understanding of the Christian faith and the nature of spiritual and pastoral support, as well as be able to naturally lead and motivate others and be skilled in delivering Christian devotionals and Christian faith based talks and presentations.

Why work for YMCA Norfolk?

It is an exciting time to join YMCA Norfolk, as the organisation looks to further expand its services and explore further opportunities to be present in the Norfolk community.

YMCA Norfolk is a great place to work, offering meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of young people. Working at the charity is an opportunity to be a part of an organisation which is challenging, innovative, rewarding and fun.

Staff place young people at the heart of all they do and are committed to building an organisation that is responsive to the needs of young people and stakeholders.

In return, employees receive a range of benefits including Healthsheild (health care plan), 34 days annual leave (pro-rata / inclusive of bank and public holidays), staff discount at Williams’ Kitchen Cafe, Explorers Soft Play and Muddy Puddles Nursery, regular line management and training opportunities, annual staff days and much more.

How to apply

If you’re a servant hearted individual, committed to your Christian faith and passionate about creating environments where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive, then YMCA Norfolk would love to hear from you.

This is a permanent role, 22.5hrs a week, with a pay grade of £13.21 per hour. The position is based at YMCA Norfolk’s head offices on Aylsham Road, Norwich, with regular county-wide travel.

For further details, a full job description and an application form, please click here.

If you have further questions, please get in touch with YMCA Norfolk’s HR department on careers@ymcanorfolk.org

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

Lead an inspiring team supporting homeless young people: ‘‘Without YMCA Norfolk, I honestly don’t think I’d be alive”

19th January 2023 by Harriet King

Screenshot 2023 01 19 at 10.08.46

YMCA Norfolk is currently recruiting for a Housing Director to lead their passionate housing team – which supports 360 homeless young people each year. 

The local charity delivers county-wide operations, offering a range of accommodation services from youth hostels, self-contained flatlets and supported housing in Great Yarmouth, Norwich and King’s Lynn. 

Working alongside the organisation’s CEO and 3 directors, the Housing Director role presents the opportunity to develop YMCA Norfolk’s accommodation services, manage an existing team of Housing managers, and provide collective, strategic leadership. 

Current housing clients have praised YMCA Norfolk’s housing team for their ‘encouragement,’ ‘patience,’ and for being the resident’s ‘biggest supporters.’

Andrew Fountain, Norwich-based YMCA Norfolk resident, commented on his journey: “In all honestly, I don’t think I would be alive without YMCA Norfolk. Since joining and living here, my mental health has drastically improved.

“I’ve been presented with opportunities to take part in employment projects such as On Track and Kick the Dust, and I now work at a Norwich museum – which has been a dream of mine since I was 8-years-old.

“None of this would’ve been possible without YMCA Norfolk. Since living here, I’ve learnt to trust the process, trust the staff and trust myself – because things do get better.” 

YMCA Norfolk are activity seeking to grow their housing provision and directors are continuously exploring new ways to expand operations and reach those most in-need.

Moreover, housing-based projects such as Life Ready Gardening have recently won national awards for their successful impact, with staff keen to further roll-out opportunities for positive engagement with young people.

John Lee, YMCA Norfolk CEO, said: “Housing and accommodation services are vital to our mission. As the level of need in Norfolk increases, we are seeking to increase the amount of support we can offer.
 
“It is an exciting time at YMCA Norfolk – we have significant opportunities ahead of us. We are looking for an experienced and passionate individual who can help us to expand our housing provisions and grow our presence in the Norfolk community. 

“If you are passionate about creating environments where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive, then we would love to hear from you.”


A recruitment pack with further details on the role can be found here.

For further information, including an application form for the job role, please contact will.worthington@morganhunt.com

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

“Thanks to YMCA Norfolk, I feel safe for the first time in a long time” – Hannah’s Story

10th January 2023 by Harriet King

Screenshot 2023 01 10 at 11.39.18

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, Justin, made her ‘feel at ease’ and ‘earnt her respect.’

“With the help of Justin 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:

  • Fundraising with us
  • Volunteering with us
  • Donating to our mission
  • Leaving a gift in your will

Filed Under: Case Studies, LATEST NEWS

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