I’m very proud to work for the YMCA and proud of the work that
we do providing housing and support to people who have experienced
homelessness. Many of the people we come into contact with have experienced trauma, mental ill health, addiction and/or abuse. Our ethos is to support the whole person and in addition to giving people a safe place to live, we give them the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Alongside housing we offer a range of other services such as psychotherapy, trauma informed support, work and employability
programmes, and access to physical and leisure activities.  

Being involved in this area of work has certainly become more challenging following the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis. The social challenges that people are facing have grown and the support available from statutory services has reduced. Hundreds of young people are currently at risk of homelessness and poverty. The teams I work alongside are inspirational and have continued to work extremely hard through this. On a regular basis I meet people who have made positive changes in their lives that even they themselves didn’t believe
were possible.

On Friday 8^th March I am going to be sleeping outside to raise awareness of homelessness and to raise funds to that will help my organisation continue to provide these vital services.

If you are able to, I would be grateful if you can sponsor me.

Thanks

Wayne