YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk

Helping young people towards a brighter future

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Kirsty Rose

Damien’s Journey with YMCA Norfolk

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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.

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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.”

Navana’s Journey with YMCA Norfolk

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Life before YMCA
Navana’s life took a challenging turn at just 16 years old. After her parents separated, her relationship with her mother broke down, and she moved in with her father and his new partner. Unfortunately, tensions arose, and Navana was asked to leave, leaving her homeless.

She spent time in a hostel in Sheringham and later moved between different hostels, struggling to settle and maintain stability.


Challenges

  • Low confidence and isolation, spending most of her time alone in her room.
  • Family breakdown leading to homelessness at a young age.
  • Difficulty adapting to hostel environments, resulting in frequent moves.

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YMCA Norfolk’s Support

When Navana arrived at YMCA Norfolk, she was quiet and withdrawn. With consistent support from staff and opportunities to engage in positive activities, her confidence began to grow.

Key interventions included:

  • Creative activities: Navana discovered her artistic side by making clay crafts, including a bearded dragon sculpture.
  • Outdoor experiences: Activities like “Kick the Dust” helped her get out and explore new environments.
  • Life skills development: She learned to cook and now proudly calls herself “a banging cook.”
  • Community building: Making friends and participating in group activities helped her come out of her shell.

Impact

Navana has lived at YMCA Norfolk longer than most residents due to the lack of a local connection, completing a three-year stay. During this time, she has:

  • Built confidence and independence.
  • Developed practical skills for daily living.
  • Reignited hope for her future.

She now looks forward to moving into her own place and finding a job to lead a productive life.

Navana’s Reflection

“When I first moved in, I was really unsure. But now, I realise how far I’ve come. I’m proud of myself. I’ve changed so much.”

Viki’s Journey: 200 Miles of Determination and Inspiration!

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October was nothing short of epic for Viki, who has officially completed her incredible challenge, “Viki’s Journey.” Over 31 days, she pushed her limits and raised awareness for YMCA Norfolk, covering an astonishing 200 miles—the approximate circumference of Norfolk—through a mix of walking, cycling, running, abseiling, and even zip-wiring.

Her adventure was packed with unforgettable moments:

  • Early starts: Many mornings began at 5:30am to fit in miles before work and counselling placements.
  • Thrill-seeking: Abseiling down The Forum and soaring on a zip wire.
  • Summit success: Conquering Snowdon—up and down!
  • New passions: Falling in love with road cycling on her new bike.
  • Mental health advocacy: Walking and talking on World Mental Health Day.
  • Meaningful visits: Exploring the National Memorial Arboretum and discovering the YMCA Memorial.
  • Personal growth: Reigniting her love for physical activity and adventure.

Although the challenge is complete, it’s not too late to support Viki’s efforts and the vital work of YMCA Norfolk. Every donation helps make a difference.

Share and donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/vikisjourney

Let’s celebrate Viki’s achievement and keep the momentum going to support communities across Norfolk!

Learn More & Get Involved

If you or someone you know is facing homelessness or struggling to find a way forward, you’re not alone. Get in touch to learn more about our services, success stories, and how you can support our mission.

Contact us at info@ymcanorfolk.org
Visit www.ymcanorfolk.org/legacies for more information.

Together, we can build a future where every young person in Norfolk has the chance to thrive.

YMCA Norfolk Celebrates Community Spirit and Resilience at Annual Celebration 2025

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YMCA Norfolk Celebrations 2025 photo by Andreas Yiasimi (193)

YMCA Norfolk hosted its Annual Celebration on Thursday 16th October at The Space, Norwich, bringing together around 160 guests for an evening filled with emotion, inspiration, and heartfelt recognition.

The event honoured the incredible individuals who embody YMCA Norfolk’s values of hope, empowerment, and community. From volunteers and tenants to young people overcoming adversity, each story shared was a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and perseverance.

Volunteer of the Year – Sam Everard
Sam has dedicated over 160 hours to the Marketing and Fundraising Team, bringing creativity, consistency, and fresh ideas. Their work on the upcoming Christmas campaign has been especially impactful.

Community Hero – Reverend Jonathan Price
Reverend Price leads a church and community centre in North Lynn, supporting over 50 young people weekly through initiatives like the Pizza Project. His chaplaincy work with YMCA residents is deeply valued.

Young Volunteer of the Year – Jess Payne
Jess has given over 155 hours volunteering on the SOS Bus in King’s Lynn, offering late-night support to vulnerable individuals with compassion and energy.
Highly Commended: Cian Berry, Ellie Mitchell

Personal Growth Award – Casey Campling
Casey has shown remarkable resilience and growth, progressing through YMCA Norfolk’s housing and development programmes with positivity and commitment.
Highly Commended: Leon Bryden, Nadiia Melnik

Tenant of the Year – Kelsey Drew
Kelsey is known for their pride in their home, culinary generosity, and warm, respectful presence. Their journey reflects strength and maturity.
Highly Commended: Conor Moitysee, Melissa Lemin

Heart of YMCA Norfolk Award – Zac Willis
Zac, who lives with Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder, has shown quiet strength and consistent engagement in learning since joining the E-Learning Service in Year 3.
Highly Commended: Robert Grand, Jessica Pitcher

Inspiration Award – Chanyce Burton
Chanyce has transformed their life since experiencing homelessness, becoming a pillar of support at St Paul’s Lodge through leadership, kindness, and service.
Highly Commended: Caleb Burrell, Kelsey Drew

Richard Jarrold Achievement Award – Tooni Shotimeyin
Tooni has overcome significant personal hardship to pursue A Levels with aspirations for Oxford University. Their dedication to education, volunteering, and peer support is truly extraordinary.
Highly Commended: Alex Morgan, Holly Newbery, Luke Whiley

YMCA Norfolk CEO John Lee said:
“We celebrated the comeback stories of Norfolk’s young people, those who have faced barriers, battled setbacks and beaten the odds. Behind every statistic was a life transformed: from learning to pay the rent to returning to education, from meeting a counsellor, to moving from homelessness to university. The awards celebrated young people as the heroes of their journey. It is always one of my favourite nights of the year and we will be talking about last week for a long time.  Thank you to Tooni and Lord Dannett for hosting us and to all the young people who cheered each other on throughout the evening.”

YMCA Norfolk Celebrations 2025 photo by Andreas Yiasimi (182)

Learn More & Get Involved

If you or someone you know is facing homelessness or struggling to find a way forward, you’re not alone. Get in touch to learn more about our services, success stories, and how you can support our mission.

Contact us at info@ymcanorfolk.org
Visit www.ymcanorfolk.org/legacies for more information.

Together, we can build a future where every young person in Norfolk has the chance to thrive.

A Journey of Growth, Resilience and Hope with YMCA Norfolk

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Life before YMCA
In 2014, just shy of her 17th birthday, Cara-Leigh faced a difficult turning point. A breakdown in her family home, compounded by ongoing mental health struggles and her mum’s sudden move away, left her feeling lost and alone. With the support of a social worker, she was referred to YMCA Norfolk — a moment that marked the beginning of a transformative journey.

“I remember the taxi ride from my small village to the YMCA. I was so nervous, thinking ‘I can’t do this.’ But when I arrived, Lynton introduced himself as my support worker and everyone — staff and residents — were so welcoming. That first evening, a resident named Mollie took me to Tesco and helped me settle in. It was the start of something new.”

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The impact YMCA has had
Having battled mental health challenges since the age of 12, Cara-Leigh found the support she needed at YMCA Norfolk. She engaged in therapy, worked with a mental health worker, and began to rebuild her confidence. During her time at the YMCA, she enrolled at City College and successfully completed courses in Health & Social Care and Childcare.

“There were tough days, but the staff never gave up on me — even when I gave up on myself. They helped me believe in myself and grow.”

Cara-Leigh later moved to YMCA MyPlace, where she was again welcomed with kindness and care by staff members Nico, Jade and Karen. Although she eventually returned to YMCA Central after realising she wasn’t quite ready for independent living, she was met with continued support and understanding.

“You never gave up on me. And in 2017, I moved into my own place. It was scary — I was actually sad to leave because I’d made close friends and felt like part of a big family.”

Fast forward to 2025, and Cara-Leigh’s story is one of resilience and hope. She began working in 2019 as a Mental Health Support Worker at Swanton Care, using her lived experience to help others. Despite facing further challenges in a difficult relationship, she completed two years of intensive therapy and now feels stronger than ever.

“I have a loving partner — we’ve been together almost four years — and next June we’ll be starting our IVF journey. The future looks so bright.”

Reflecting on her journey, Cara-Leigh shares:

“I owe the biggest thank you to YMCA Norfolk for never giving up on me and helping me grow. You taught me the skills I needed for life — otherwise, it could have been a very different story.”

Case Study by Cara-Leigh Evans

From Homelessness to Hope: Famous Faces Who Prove It’s Possible to Rise Again

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From Homelessness to Hollywood

Homelessness is often hidden behind closed doors, quiet struggles, and silent battles. For many young people, it’s not just about lacking a roof over their heads — it’s about feeling unseen, unheard, and uncertain about the future. But what if we told you that some of the world’s most successful and admired individuals once stood in those very same shoes?

Their stories are not just tales of fame and fortune — they are powerful reminders that resilience, support, and belief in oneself can lead to extraordinary transformation.

Famous People Who Overcame Homelessness

Halle Berry

Before winning an Academy Award, Halle Berry found herself sleeping in a homeless shelter and later at a YMCA in New York City. Her mother refused to send money, believing Berry needed to learn independence. That tough love became a turning point, fueling her determination to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Jim Carrey

The beloved comedian and actor lived in a VW van with his family and later in a tent on his sister’s lawn. Despite these hardships, Carrey used humor as a coping mechanism — a gift that would later become his career.

Jennifer Lopez

At 18, Lopez left home after a disagreement with her mother about pursuing dance. She slept on a sofa in her dance studio, determined to follow her passion. Within a year, she landed a role on In Living Color and launched her career.

Daniel Craig

Before becoming James Bond, Craig slept on park benches while trying to break into acting. His story is a testament to perseverance and the power of chasing your dreams, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Hilary Swank

Swank and her mother lived in their car and squatted in empty houses while she auditioned for roles. Her grit paid off — she went on to win two Academy Awards.

Chris Pratt

Before starring in Jurassic World, Pratt lived in a van in Hawaii, working minimal hours and living off the land. A chance encounter with a director changed everything, proving that opportunity can come when you least expect it.

What These Stories Teach Us

These individuals didn’t just survive homelessness — they transformed their lives. Their journeys show that circumstances don’t define your future. With support, courage, and opportunity, anyone can rise above adversity. But not everyone has a Hollywood ending — and that’s where YMCA Norfolk steps in.

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How YMCA Norfolk Supports Young People

At YMCA Norfolk, we work every day to ensure young people have the safe spaces, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive. Whether it’s through supported housing, mental health services, or skills development, we’re here to walk alongside young people as they build brighter futures.

We believe that every young person deserves a chance — not just to survive, but to flourish.

Learn More & Get Involved

If you or someone you know is facing homelessness or struggling to find a way forward, you’re not alone. Get in touch to learn more about our services, success stories, and how you can support our mission.

Contact us at info@ymcanorfolk.org
Visit www.ymcanorfolk.org/legacies for more information.

Together, we can build a future where every young person in Norfolk has the chance to thrive.