Stories of our Impact
YMCA Norfolk transforms young lives across the local community. Below are many stories of lives transformed over the years…
Some stories may have had their names or personal details changed in order to protect their identities.
“I really do recommend Life Ready to people who are not experienced in life with cooking, life skills as it helps with those a lot”
Life before YMCA Before coming to YMCA Norfolk, Daniel experienced a breakdown in his relationship with his partner, which resulted…
“It has been helpful to be persuaded to join in with things I wouldn’t have done”
After being at Woolstencroft for a number of months, the Life Ready project started and Josh found out about it…
Read their Story “It has been helpful to be persuaded to join in with things I wouldn’t have done”
“YMCA Norfolk has had a direct impact on making me a stronger and wiser person.”
“I was kicked out of home when I was 18 due to a relationship breakdown with my mum’s boyfriend. My…
Read their Story “YMCA Norfolk has had a direct impact on making me a stronger and wiser person.”
“Without the YMCA, I would not be the person I am or be where I am.” – James*’ Story
After his dad passed away, James* struggled with his mental health and when facing homelessness, turned to YMCA Norfolk. James’…
Local man housed after battling homelessness for 4 years.
After struggling with street homelessness for 4 years, Daniel* has begun to get his life back on track with the…
Read their Story Local man housed after battling homelessness for 4 years.
From street homeless to University aspirations, YMCA Norfolk’s Iman turns his life around.
Iman joined YMCA Norfolk in 2020, looking for a fresh start among the Covid-19 pandemic. Since his time living with…
“Thanks to YMCA Norfolk, I feel safe for the first time in a long time” – Hannah’s Story
Before coming to YMCA Norfolk, Hannah was living with her mum in Wroxham. At 13-years-old she started a relationship with…
“I will never forget YMCA Norfolk – thank you for accepting me” – Danny’s Story
After almost three years with YMCA Norfolk, Danny is soon set to leave our My Place accommodation to begin living…
Read their Story “I will never forget YMCA Norfolk – thank you for accepting me” – Danny’s Story
Andrew’s Story: “The staff at YMCA Norfolk have not only supported me, but also improved every single aspect of my life.”
Before moving into YMCA Norfolk’s accommodation, Andrew was a participant of On Track – a countywide project that aims to…
Emma’s Story: “I have achieved so much since being with YMCA Norfolk”
Disclaimer: story mentions self-harm. Emma’s name has been changed to protect her identity. “I came to YMCA Norfolk because things…
Read their Story Emma’s Story: “I have achieved so much since being with YMCA Norfolk”
“YMCA has given me a second chance at my life” – James’ Story
James came to YMCA Norfolk after experiencing troubles whilst living at home with his Mum, who has Bipolar Disorder, and…
Read their Story “YMCA has given me a second chance at my life” – James’ Story
Josh’s Journey to Independent Living
After living with his Grandmother for several years, Josh moved into YMCA Norfolk Community Housing to help him on his journey to independent living. 8 months later, Josh has successfully moved on, and has told the story of his YMCA experience.
Alex’s story: ‘being part of the YMCA community has transformed my life’
Alexandra Waters, YMCA Norfolk client, moved into YMCA accommodation earlier this year after fleeing a verbally abusive relationship with an…
Read their Story Alex’s story: ‘being part of the YMCA community has transformed my life’
Chef Bobby tells his incredible transformation from service user to staff member
Bobby, former YMCA Norfolk client, has recently started working as a Chef at our Stepping Stones Café by Norwich bus…
Read their Story Chef Bobby tells his incredible transformation from service user to staff member
Martine rebuilds her life with the help of YMCA’s Yvonne
At YMCA Norfolk’s Annual Celebration 2019 on November 7, Yvonne, YMCA Norfolk Volunteer, and Martine, YMCA Norfolk client, faced the…
Read their Story Martine rebuilds her life with the help of YMCA’s Yvonne
Farewell Lynton: Read about his inspiring transformation with YMCA Norfolk
As much loved staff member – Lynton Adams- bids farewell to YMCA Norfolk to move back to London, we reflect…
Read their Story Farewell Lynton: Read about his inspiring transformation with YMCA Norfolk
Norwich teenager Jazz fights back to be an inspiration
Norwich teenager Jazz Mickleburgh has fought back from losing her mother and attempting suicide to become an inspirational speaker and…
Read their Story Norwich teenager Jazz fights back to be an inspiration
Jamie’s journey from sofa surfing to Great Yarmouth role model
A year ago he was living on his family and friends’ sofas, but today ‘role model’ Jamie Copping has transformed…
Read their Story Jamie’s journey from sofa surfing to Great Yarmouth role model
Housing Engagement Worker Ben retrains to become a Mental Health First Aid Trainer
Inspired to help young people experiencing mental health difficulties, Ben retrained to become a Mental Health First Aid Trainer for…
Read their Story Housing Engagement Worker Ben retrains to become a Mental Health First Aid Trainer
From Volunteering at YMCA to Opening Doors in Kenya
I started off as a volunteer at YMCA Norfolk during my time at UEA. My key role in the organisation…
Read their Story From Volunteering at YMCA to Opening Doors in Kenya
Refugee’s brave journey to a new life in Norwich
War, prison, blackmail, hazardous seas and being locked into a container lorry were not enough to stop brave Sudanese refugee…
Read their Story Refugee’s brave journey to a new life in Norwich
Christopher’s New Life as a YMCA Volunteer
At YMCA Norfolk we value all our volunteers, and Christopher is no exception. With his experience of homelessness and family…
YMCA young volunteer inspires the next generation at Friday Hub
Tavis tells us his story of moving from being a young person at the youth club to volunteering and inspiring…
Read their Story YMCA young volunteer inspires the next generation at Friday Hub
YMCA helps Jordan make it through the storm
When Jordan Corstorphine first moved to the YMCA’s My Place flats in Norwich in December 2015, staff not only made…
Read their Story YMCA helps Jordan make it through the storm
YMCA kickboxing inspires Mark’s hopes for future
When Mark Bleasdale heard about kickboxing sessions being offered though the YMCA in Great Yarmouth, he thought “why not give…
Read their Story YMCA kickboxing inspires Mark’s hopes for future
A bright future ahead for Jason
After a year in the kitchen of YMCA Norfolk’s Stepping Stones Café in Norwich, Jason Bryant is leaving with a…
Rebel Lee is well on the way to reaching his potential
When self-confessed rebel Lee first moved into a YMCA Norfolk house in King’s Lynn he was not ready to change…
Read their Story Rebel Lee is well on the way to reaching his potential
Thomas has sad Christmas memories but hope for the future
Laying a holly wreath on his mother’s grave is a Christmas ritual for YMCA Norfolk Supported Lodgings resident, 22-year-old Thomas…
Read their Story Thomas has sad Christmas memories but hope for the future
Kendall’s Story
Arguments with her family and problems with alcohol meant Kendal’s life was out of control. This is Kendal’s story. (more…)
Jake is winning his daily battles
Jake Shore faces daily battles with depression and anxiety and also a drug addiction, but, thanks to support from the…