YMCA England & Wales: Recent Episodes
YMCA England & Wales
YMCA is the oldest and largest youth charity in the world, set up in England in 1844. Since its inception, the organisation has evolved into a global movement helping more than 58 million people across 119 different countries.
YMCA England & Wales is the national council for the 116 independent YMCAs in England and Wales. The YMCA federation shares a common goal to create supportive, inclusive and energising communities where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.
Follow us on our audioBoom channel and listen to stories from our inspiring young people and amazing volunteers, while our staff and experts will give you an insight into our work.
Follow us on Twitter: @YMCAEngWales Facebook: @YMCAEnglandandWales Instagram: ymcaenglandandwales
Since arriving at YMCA, Sophie is learning to manage her complex mental health difficulties. YMCA provides a safe supportive place for her to stay, and finally, somewhere that she can call home where she can get the expert help that she needs. She has been able to make the most of all the opportunities that we offer at YMCA, like re-entering education and taking an English course, making new friends, and pursuing her ambition to write poetry.
Four in 10 rough sleepers have mental health difficulties, help young people like Sophie to get the specialist emotional and psychological support she need from YMCA.
“The support I’ve found at YMCA has given me a sense of confidence that I’ve never had before.” Read her story: http://bit.ly/sophiestory
Jason lost his job in a supermarket just before Christmas last year and, no longer able to afford the rent on his flatshare, he spent his last wage packet on a tent. At a time when other young people his age were looking forward to being with their families and receiving their presents, Jason spend six freezing weeks living in a tent on a field. Jason tell us in his own words what it was like for him to be homeless as part of our new Christmas fundraising appeal.
Ellis is a young person who has experienced #mentalhealth difficulties. Listen to the advise he has for other young people like him.
Dexter, a young transgender man, has struggled with mental health difficulties since he was 10-years-old. It was hard for his family to accept and, struggling to cope with his mental health difficulties on his own, Dexter self-harmed. He shares his advise on how to cope with #mentalhealth difficulties as part of the #IAMWHOLE campaign.
Connie, a young volunteer at YMCA Brighton's service, shares her advice on how to deal with #mentalhealth difficulties.