YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk

Helping young people towards a brighter future

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Harriet King

Chef Bobby tells his incredible transformation from service user to staff member

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Bobby, former YMCA Norfolk client, has recently started working as a Chef at our Stepping Stones Café by Norwich bus station. We spoke to him about his amazing transformation from service user to staff member, and how he wants to be an inspiration to the YMCA young people he now works with:

“When I was 18-years-old I was kicked out of home because I had fallen into the wrong crowd, and became involved with drugs and drinking. I moved to the YMCA hostel on St Giles in 2005 – which was an 80 bed hostel at the time.

Two months into my stay at YMCA I was sent to prison for getting into a fight – but YMCA said they would save a room for me upon my release. When returning to YMCA Norfolk, Martin Rye (currently a YMCA housing manager), was made my support worker.

Unfortunately, I was still the same naive 18-year-old who thought I knew a lot more about life than I did. Due to repeatedly being caught with alcohol at the hostel, I was evicted eight months after my return to St. Giles.

I was on a downwards spiral and in 2007 I was sent back to prison for 90 days for a theft-related crime. Upon release, I met the mother of my child –  and in May 2008 we had a little girl together.

Three years later, the relationship broke down. We were both still very young, and it became extremely volatile. It was a mutual decision that I left the family home, but I still had access to our child.

Following this, in May 2011, I ended up coming back to YMCA at St. Giles. However, this time around, I had a totally different attitude after having my daughter – she was now the most important thing in my life. I kept myself to myself and made sure I didn’t fall into the wrong crowd.

I did everything my support worker asked of me at the time. I engaged in everything I possibly could, including education and training; undergoing a stewarding/security course for two months.

If I could give one piece of advice to our current YMCA clients, It would be the importance of engagement. If you want to get the most out of the service, you need to be proactive and engage in what your support worker offers you.

The YMCA offers you a lot of opportunities, you need to take advantage of as many of them as you can. Grab education with both hands – because after 19 it isn’t free anymore! Maths, English, Sports, any subject – just grab anything you can, because it’s so important later in life.

I moved out of YMCA in December 2011, only 7 months after re-entering the service, because I was ready to move on to independent living. I was provided with a council flat, which was the first real sense of independence I had – I began cooking for myself and really taking care of myself. Suddenly, I had grown up. I saw my little girl once a week, and me and my former partner were on better terms.

I had a few qualifications, but not as many as I would’ve liked. So, I enrolled into a Catering course at City College in September 2012. It was a year-long course, and I felt like I had found my niche. Half way through my course I got a job at Loch Fyne restaurant on St. Giles as a chef. It was such a great job – everyone was really nice and friendly.

I’ve been a chef ever since. After six years of working evenings and weekends, sometimes 60 hour weeks, I was looking for something with more sociable hours. I saw the role come up at Stepping Stones, applied for the position and was shortlisted for an interview. I came in and had a chat with Julie (YMCA Norfolk Catering Manager) – which was surreal as she cooked my meals 15 years ago as a resident.

I was offered the position and I now work as a full-time Chef at Stepping Stones Café. Working sociable hours is a real luxury, I have my evenings and weekends back and get to see my daughter more often than ever. We can finally spend quality time together, rather than in-between shifts.  

I was inspired to work for the YMCA after knowing what it’s like to be a service user. I know how difficult it can be, and working at Stepping Stones is the perfect balance of working in my industry at a chef, but also having interaction with our young people.

I’ve now been looking into part time Support Worker courses, because I’d love to be able to eventually give that support back to our clients. I want to inspire our young people not to make the same mistakes I made. It’s easy to fall on hard times, but everyone has the potential to turn their life around, especially with the help of YMCA Norfolk and their incredible staff.”

Martine rebuilds her life with the help of YMCA’s Yvonne

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At YMCA Norfolk’s Annual Celebration 2019 on November 7, Yvonne, YMCA Norfolk Volunteer, and Martine, YMCA Norfolk client, faced the stage together to tell supporters their inspirational story:

“After witnessing the murder of a family member and other horrendous atrocities, I fled The Congo and moved to the UK. I was depressed, lonely and I found life very difficult especially with the language barrier.  I moved to YMCA Norfolk with my young daughter and with the support of their ‘Umbrella Team’ I was introduced to ‘Yvonne’ my Volunteer Support Worker,” said Martine.

Umbrella Housing is part of Community Housing Norwich, YMCA Norfolk’s accommodation service working with single-parent families. Yvonne has volunteered with YMCA Norfolk for almost three years – working closely with a number of Umbrella clients.

“When I discovered I was pregnant again, I was devastated and worried about how I would cope with another child.  I had nothing for a new baby, and I was unlikely to have support from their father. My pregnancy was complicated and high risk with Gestational Diabetes and High blood pressure.  I was becoming more isolated and depressed with little interest in going out or eating properly,” Martine added.

Over the following months, which Martine described as extremely difficult, Yvonne visited Martine weekly – and her encouragement and support became a lifeline for Martine.

“We began collecting baby items through Baby Bank and from friends.  I started to feel more confident and I actually found myself looking forwards to the future.  I started to develop trust, I was getting more confident and my English was improving. 

“I asked Yvonne to be my birth partner when I gave birth to my healthy daughter in April. I moved from complete hopelessness to the chance of building a good life for the girls and me.  I feel I am coping well, building friendships and being a good mother to my children.  I am working towards having my own house so my girls can have a permanent home. 

“My faith in God has helped me and my prayers have been answered. I have two children still in The Congo and with support, I am beginning the difficult journey to try and get them to live with me here,” added Martine.

Following Martine’s exceptional transformation, Yvonne was named as ‘Volunteer of the Year’ at YMCA Norfolk’s Annual Awards last week; praised for her ongoing commitment to transforming the lives of others and setting an incredibly high standard for staff and volunteers to follow. Her colleagues commented on her ability to ‘prove time and time again that she is a dedicated, compassionate team member who embodies the values of the YMCA.’

YMCA Norfolk receives planning approval for Nursery and Community Hub

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YMCA Norfolk received planning approval from Norwich City Council on Monday 5 November to renovate the Jubilee Hall on Aylsham Road.

The Community Hub will feature Muddy Puddles – an Ofsted registered Nursery, a community Café and Carvery, and a Soft Play Centre. Profits from the activities will be reinvested in local community provision such as a new youth club.

Tim Sweeting said:

“We are really excited to be able to get on with delivering this community resource that will enable people to invest back in their local area while enjoying a coffee or great childcare.”

Approved by the YMCA Norfolk board of trustees this week, it was agreed that the Muddy Puddles Nursery will aim to open in January 2021, but parents can register their interest in the nursery from today via YMCA Norfolk’s website.

The nursery will reflect YMCA Norfolk’s values as an organisation, with an inclusive, compassionate approach to childcare.

Louise Hinchley, Head of the Communities at YMCA Norfolk, said:

“We are passionate about offering a positive environment where all children feel secure and valued. We believe in promoting each child’s strengths and helping them love themselves and others, in all their difference.

“Muddy Puddles will encourage children to be curious and adventurous in their play and learning so they grow in appreciation of the world around them and feel ready for the transition to school when the time comes.”

The nursery aims to encompass a reduced technology approach to childcare, encouraging outdoor play and exploration. The childcare provision aspires to be environmentally friendly through sustainable toys and natural materials for play such as wood instead of plastic. The nursery will also encourage children to use natural textures in their sensory play such as ice, sand, mud, water and clay – promoting the reduction of carbon footprint and waste.

The garden space and trees outside of the Nursery lends itself to a forest school environment for that can be accessed in all weather. The nursery will aim to ensure it has forest school activities including digging, building, planting and growing. Staff are also keen for nursery attendees to understand how things grow and the world around them.

Parents will be invited to tour the site from Autumn 2020, but are encouraged to show interest in advance via YMCA Norfolk’s Community Hub team, who are contactable on childcare@ymcanorfolk.org

The community Café, which is positioned in the middle of the site, will be a family-centred, clean, comfortable restaurant that offers premium coffee, home-cooked meals and a place for parents to sit and relax while their children attend nursery or visit the soft play centre.

The Soft Play centre aims to reflect the Nursery’s environmentally-friendly approach and will also be a clean, safe and fun environment for all children. Featured as part of the café, parents can watch children play while enjoying the restaurant’s facilities.

The centre will also include staff offices, where YMCA Norfolk’s head office team (currently based at Exchange Street in Norwich city centre) will relocate in Autumn 2020.

YMCA Norfolk are highly grateful for the number of pledges they have already received from funders and will continue their public fundraising appeal up until the opening of the centre.

Susie Knights, YMCA Norfolk Fundraising Manager, said:

“Huge thanks to Norwich Freeman’s Charity, The Lind Trust, Norwich City Council, the John Jarrold Trust, The Geoffrey Watling Charity and Anguish Educational Foundation for their early support in our fundraising campaign.

“We have now launched our online fundraiser via Just Giving and are encouraging the public to get involved in hosting their own fundraising events, with the support of our Marketing and Fundraising department.

“We would love to hear from individuals, community groups or businesses that can offer financial or practical support to take this innovative project forward. Every donation, big or small, is hugely appreciated and supports us in building this much needed family service within the community.”

Charlie Smith from YMCA Norfolk celebrates success at National Youth Charity Awards

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Charlie Smith from YMCA Norfolk has conquered strong competition to be crowned Young Leader of the Year at the leading charity’s national youth awards ceremony on Friday 8 November.

Charlie, 25, triumphed over two other inspiring young people at the Youth Matters 2019 awards ceremony, which was held at exclusive central London venue 8 Northumberland Avenue, and hosted by acclaimed broadcaster and TV presenter Nihal Arthanayake.

The Young Leader of the Year Award recognises a young person for their ability to make a real difference in their YMCA by bringing about positive change, working with vision and inspiring others.

Charlie was one of three young people to get through to the awards night after battling through judges’ shortlisting and then an online public vote in August.

She was praised by judges for her drive and determination in breaking down damaging stigmas and raising awareness of mental health issues. Charlie has been instrumental in growing the Mind Matters team, and in completing her training for Mental Health First Aid she has driven the project forward and developed close links with local charities and churches.

On winning the award, Charlie said: “I do the job that I do because I genuinely love it. I feel so privileged to work for the YMCA and be able to carry out the work that YMCA Norfolk does, especially around mental health. This award really does mean a lot to me, so thank you so much.”

Youth Matters is YMCA’s national awards programme that has been an integral part of the charity’s calendar since 2009. It celebrates the outstanding skills and achievements of young people from across the country and also recognises the vital work that YMCAs deliver every.

YMCA Norfolk celebrates inspirational clients at Annual Awards evening

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YMCA Norfolk held their Annual Celebration and Awards Ceremony at the Open Norwich Youth Trust on Thursday evening, November 7, in recognition of the amazing transformations of their young people, families, staff and volunteers.

The event was attended by YMCA President General, the Lord, Richard Dannatt, Lady Agnew, High Sheriff of Norfolk and Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councilor Vaughan Thomas, along with a wide range of supporter, YMCA Norfolk clients and staff.

Attendees heard inspiring stories of YMCA Norfolk’s young people and families, talking about their amazing transformations from street homelessness, domestic abuse, prostitution, family breakdowns and fleeing terror.

Tim Sweeting, YMCA Norfolk CEO, was interviewed by the evening’s host, Jazz Mickleburgh, former YMCA Norfolk Client – who also won young volunteer of the year at last year’s award ceremony.

During the interview Tim was asked about his biggest highlights and challenges of this year:

“One of the biggest highlights of this year for me is our £200,000 grant from Anguish Educational Foundation. The opportunity to have a three-year life coach programme for our young people is amazing and will make a huge difference.

“One of the biggest challenges is watching our young people doubt themselves. We see so much potential in them, but unfortuchantely sometimes low-self esteem means they often don’t see that potential in themselves, and we really wish they could because they have so much to offer.” said Tim.

During the celebration, young YMCA Norfolk staff members shared their experiences of the global YMCA 175 event in London this summer, which saw YMCA’s all over the world join to celebrate 175 years of the founding of the YMCA. The 175 team also discussed the ways in which YMCA Norfolk will implement sustainable development goals in the new year.

Lord Richard Dannatt then presented awards to a number of winners, alongside YMCA Norfolk housing managers who praised the nominees and winners for their exceptional transitions during their time in the services.

The Healthy Living Award went to Holly Twiddy, for her ongoing commitment to overcoming health difficulties – not letting them interfere with her life – and for continuously engaging in positive activities.

Young Volunteer of the Year went to Catt Whittingham, a highly valued member of the Great Yarmouth community, who volunteers at two different charities weekly, in addition to helping with YMCA food collections.

Tenant of the Year was Abbie Ellett, who was praised for coming on leaps and bounds – hugely developing her life skills since moving to her latest Supported Lodgings placement.

Young Achiever of the Year was Ryan Cooper who has recently overcome personal issues and is now enrolled on a college course.

The Inspiration Award went to Tony Scott, who was described as a prime example of the positive transition in a young person, and a great ambassador for YMCA Norfolk.

The organisation also introduced ‘Volunteer of the Year’ to the awards categories this year, which was won by Yvonne Mack. Yvonne volunteers at Umbrella Housing in Norwich, often praised by her colleagues for “working tirelessly to support her clients and set an incredibly high standard for others to follow.” Yvonne was also recently a birthing partner to one of her clients, Martine – an amazing example of the life-changing difference she makes.

Chloe Hillier gave an outstanding performance singing ‘Praying’ by Kesha – showcasing her amazing talent as a singer, while Stephen Phipps inspired the audience with his rap, in which he performed his own life story through his incredible lyrics.

YMCA Norfolk granted £200,000 for three year Life Coach Programme

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YMCA Norfolk were recently granted £200,000 by Anguish Educational Foundation, following their application for a life coach scheme, allowing service users to access training and build up qualifications.

Originally offering a £200,000 to one charity, or £100,000 to two charities, Anguish decided to offer two grants of £200,000 to two different charities – totalling £400,000. Into Opera, a creative organisation working to engage people into opera through educational projects, were also awarded £200,000.

Chris Herries, Chair of Anguish’s Educational Foundation, said:

“We just couldn’t choose between these two excellent, life-changing projects and decided instead to double the budget.

“We asked for projects which would break negative cycles, and which would enable long-term positive change in the lives of young people – these two projects, in very different ways, will do that really well.”

The Anguish Grant Committee shortlisted YMCA Norfolk along with 4 other applicants among a total of 20 applications. Each shortlisted applicant was invited to a 45 minute conversation – where they discussed their future plans if awarded the grant (Anguish specifically asked applicants to not present their idea, but instead wanted a ‘conversation day’ with each shortlisted applicant).

YMCA Norfolk representatives, Tim Sweeting (CEO) and Susie Knights (Fundraising Manager) spoke about their plans for a 3-year life coach programme for their residents – in order to provide additional assistance to young people; setting life goals, creating tailored action plans and the opportunity to add qualifications to their CV.  

Tim Sweeting, YMCA Norfolk CEO, said:

“We are so pleased to receive this funding, which we will invest in breaking the cycle of homelessness for hundreds of young people.

“It has been a breath of fresh air to engage with the trustees of Anguish’s Educational Foundation through this streamlined process that enables more of our energy to go into enabling transformation in the lives of young people.”

Anguish’s Educational Foundation is part of the Norwich Charitable Trusts ( the group name for three ancient Norwich grant-making trusts: Anguish’s Educational Foundation, Norwich Consolidated Charities and the Norwich Freemen’s Charity.)  All three make grants both to individuals and to organisations based on their different Objects and Areas of Benefit.

David Hynes, Chief Executive of Norwich Charitable Trusts, said:

“This is the first time we’ve run a grants programme in this way.  We’re extremely pleased with the result and very excited to be working in partnership with Into Opera and the YMCA Norfolk. 

“Look out for a similar grants round next spring from one of our other two grant-making charities – Norwich Consolidated Charities.”

YMCA Norfolk were also granted an additional £15,000 from the same fund, to go towards their brand new Community Hub, set to launch next year.