YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk

Helping young people towards a brighter future

DONATE

Uncategorized

“Without the YMCA, I would not be the person I am or be where I am.” – James*’ Story

by

After his dad passed away, James* struggled with his mental health and when facing homelessness, turned to YMCA Norfolk.

James’ dad passed away while he was still at school. Unsure how to cope, James regularly skipped school and got into trouble. He found himself on a declining path and fast accumulating rent debt, after attempting to move out of his family home.

Following his disrupted upbringing, James stayed with another local organisation for 2 years, before being referred to YMCA Norfolk. Moving into a safer and more comfortable environment at YMCA gave James the support to begin looking ahead to the future. At the end of his time in MyPlace, James decided that a referral to our Community Housing service would be the best route for him, as spoken about with his support worker.

IMG 5287

He said: “YMCA has changed my life in a good way. I have met friends through the YMCA and a lot of good people. They have given me a lot of support, even when I didn’t think I needed it.”

After his relocation, James, through the guidance of his support workers, began to be able to face his issues and deal with them. He began to feel ready to live independently, and started doing local voluntary work through the encouragement of his support system.

James hopes to begin paid employment and sort his previous debt, stating “all the workers that I have had with the YMCA have had an impact on my life, and have helped to shape the person I am now, without the YMCA I would not be the person I am or be where I am.”

*resident’s name has been changed to protect their identity

Local man housed after battling homelessness for 4 years.

by

After struggling with street homelessness for 4 years, Daniel* has begun to get his life back on track with the support of YMCA Norfolk.

Following a very traumatic family upbringing, Daniel was placed in care as a child. Struggling to navigate the emotional aftermath of past trauma while being in the care system, Daniel sought refuge in hostels. Then, at the age of 18, Daniel began rough sleeping in Norwich. Battling mental health challenges, Daniel turned to addictions to cope and sought support from local homelessness charities.

After seeking support for rough sleeping, Daniel was helped by Housing First, a YMCA Norfolk service for those with complex needs. With tailored support, Daniel embarked on a journey towards securing a stable, long-term living situation while laying the groundwork for independent living.

Untitled design 7

Despite Daniel’s resilience, developed from years of rough sleeping in cold winters and harsh conditions, Daniel was struggling with his mental health. Because of his support needs, Daniel struggled to maintain the right standard of living to cope in a hostel environment.

Housing First uses a harm-reduction approach to provide clients with housing support, but also wrap-around care that addresses their past experiences and supports their future wellbeing. The mission of Housing First is to focus on the individual, giving them the flexibility, intensive support, and time they need to rebuild their life. At YMCA, we believe that everyone has the right to affordable housing, but we also understand that not every accommodation works best for an individual. Housing First works long-term to find the best housing solution for that individual.

IMG 20230221 132353943 MFNR 1
Daniel was first found in these shoes walking the streets, and the YMCA team bought him some trainers as part of our initial support with Daniel.

With his support worker’s help, Daniel set up a bank account, went to the GP, and began seeking support for his mental health. Our team worked alongside other local organisations, Pathways, NCC, mental health trust, social services to ensure that Daniel remained supported by his local community.

After years of steadfast support from the Housing First team, Daniel has a place in a supported living unit where he can access 24-hour support and continue his steps to a more stable life. He’s looking forward to rebuilding his life and gaining professional support to work through his previous trauma.

*resident’s name has been changed to protect their identity

From street homeless to University aspirations, YMCA Norfolk’s Iman turns his life around.

by

Iman

Iman joined YMCA Norfolk in 2020, looking for a fresh start among the Covid-19 pandemic. Since his time living with us and engaging in positive activities, he has not only built a new life for himself here in Norwich but is also one step closer to pursuing his dreams.  

Read his story below: 

Iman was born in Iraq and lived with his aunt and uncle, while his dad worked away in Sweden. Due to the ongoing war in Iraq, which was prevalent throughout his childhood, Iman’s dad decided to relocate him and his brother – which the start of their journey as refugees.   

Initially migrating to Turkey, Iman then relocated to Sweden, before moving to England for a better education at the age of 12. Despite an initial culture shock, Iman quickly learned English and made friends at school, particularly through his love of football.  

Unfortunately, as he got older, his relationship with his parents broke down, resulting in him having to leave the family home at his parent’s request. This resulted in Iman becoming homeless, sofa surfing with friends for a day or two a week, and on the streets for the other days.  

Following stays at other housing units, Iman got into the wrong crowd and ended up being involved in drug-related issues, which led to him being assaulted one day at a hostel. This was when he decided to turn his life around. 

Iman contacted the council for a fresh start and was referred to YMCA Norfolk’s housing team. Initially he moved into YMCA Central (John Drake’s House), and eventually transitioned to more independent living, being allocated a self-contained apartment at YMCA My Place (St Giles). 

Iman commented, “YMCA Norfolk have accommodated me in a time in my life when things were not good, I have been able to have a fresh start and get my life back on track. I have had to put in the hard work, engage with staff and I am now on a path to getting my own accommodation.” 

Since living at YMCA Norfolk, Iman has engaged in a range of activities and been supported by the team at YMCA Norwich Central and My Place. This has allowed him to develop friendships, grow in confidence, and, of course, support his passion for football. 

“I went kayaking, did archery and took part in various other sports when at Central, which was amazing. 

“Now, I thoroughly enjoy the football activity that I do every Monday with My Place, I really look forward to this, it has helped to strengthen my friendships and meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise spoken to,” he added.  

In the future, Iman hopes to go to university to study Business Management. His dream is to one day own his own clothing line selling streetwear for young people.  

If you’re a young person seeking help, please get in touch with our  housing team. 

If you’re inspired by this story and would like to support us in transforming young lives, please consider: 

Could you be YMCA Norfolk’s next trustee?

by

247A8307
John Lee, CEO & Philip Macdonald, Chair at YMCA Norfolk, Aylsham Road, Norwich

YMCA Norfolk is recruiting for new Trustees to join their existing team of passionate board members. Two of the charity’s current trustees are due to step down as they reach the end of their term, opening a fantastic opportunity to involve new trustees in stewarding YMCA Norfolk and supporting the Chief Executive in delivering an exciting strategy and charitable mission.

Lord Richard Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL, YMCA Norfolk president, said: “We are seeking trustees who are deeply committed to their Christian faith and desire to put it into action to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

“These servant-hearted individuals will inspire others with their passion, commitment and drive to fight for social justice and inclusion.”

Part of the YMCA Norfolk team

It is an exciting time for YMCA Norfolk, who are in the process of increasing the range of services it offers whilst also investing in opportunities to generate income to fund their work.

YMCA Norfolk’s team of trustees bring their skills, experiences and passion to enable the charity to fulfil their mission of transforming young lives. Each trustee brings unique insights enabling them to provide support and scrutiny to steward the work of the organisation.

The charity already has an engaged and supportive team of trustees who have a strong working relationship with the CEO and Executive team and are excited to welcome new members to the board.

John Lee, YMCA Norfolk CEO, said: “We are looking for a diverse range of people to join our Board. We desire to become more representative of the communities we serve and are actively seeking to involve a broader range of people with different life experiences.”

247A8338

Trustee Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of YMCA Norfolk Trustee include leadership, strategic direction, supporting YMCA Norfolk in delivering its charitable objectives, and liaising with board colleagues to ensure that the properties, assets and funds of YMCA Norfolk are properly managed and protected.

Board members should strive to attend quarterly Board meetings; preparing and contributing to these appropriately and effectively, as well as regularly supporting activities such as fundraising events and annual celebrations.

Fiona Stuart, current YMCA Norfolk trustee, commented her position: “To be a part of an organisation that is fully committed to young people and their futures is both fulfilling and rewarding.  It is an honour to serve and in return you get the joy of seeing the real positive impact on people’s lives.”

Interested in becoming a Trustee?

YMCA Norfolk is committed to creating a truly equal and inclusive environment. The people supported by the charity are diverse individuals, as are staff members, volunteers and supporters. The organisation aims recruit and retain great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including members of its board.

If you feel you share the vision of YMCA Norfolk and values and are excited by this opportunity to make a difference, please complete the expression of interest form found here by 9am on 16th May 2022.


Register for Run Norwich 2022 with YMCA Norfolk

by

Run for your local YMCA

On-Track Coach

by

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to support young people aged 16-24 years.  You will be joining a team of friendly coaches that support each young person to get back On Track, giving the advice and help the individual needs to make the most of the things they are good at.

On Track is a project to clear barriers to work for young people in Norfolk who have multiple and complex needs. The project helps to support young people aged 16-24 to get into education, training or employment.  On Track is different because it is tailored to meet the needs of the individual young person.  On Track is completely free.

Young people who participate in the project receive extensive tailor-made coaching, mentoring and guidance to help them to fulfil their career goals, as well as practical support to break down the barriers to achieving these goals, such as help with childcare, transport or equipment to start a college course or job.

A partnership led by The Matthew Project with Nansa, GYROS, Princes Trust and YMCA.  On Track is funded by the National Lottery through the Community Fund and the European Social Fund

See below for the full job description, application and equal opportunities forms. Return the forms to careers@ymcanorfolk.org

Hours: 37.5 per week

Pay Scale: £22,815.00 per annum

Duration: Fixed term contract 30th April 2023

Closing date for applications:  Monday 14th February 2022 at 9am

Interview Date: TBC

We reserve the right to close the online vacancy when we are in receipt of sufficient applications. Should you wish to apply for this post you are advised to complete and submit your application form as soon as possible.

On Track Coach YMCA November 2021 Job Description

Application for Employment

Survey Form