It’s hard enough navigating your way in the world at 18, but taking those steps without the support of a loving home life leaves many young care-experienced people at risk of homlessness.
YMCA fills that gap for a great number of care experienced young people and has recently launched a new supported housing project in Northampton to give 13 young people from the county a safe place to call home, with people they trust, as well as support to fulfil their potential.
Businesses from across the region already support the work of YMCA Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire in a number of ways, from fundraising to providing pro bono support to both the charity itself and young people accessing their services.
With the YMCA supported housing in Derngate now open, it is hoped that more companies and organisations will step in to help the charity support young people to take the first steps towards a secure future. Nia Haines, Fundraising and Communications Manager, said:
“The accommodation provides care experienced young people with a safe place to call home and emotional, employment and practical support.
“Derngate is home to13 young people, who can access the service between the ages of 18 and 21. There’s a team in place to provide 24/7 support with things like health issues, applying for jobs, setting up bank accounts, all the things you have to start thinking about as an adult.”
The aim of the project is to make young people feel at home, safe and secure, and to form good relationship and find meaning and purpose in their lives. One of the key barriers to care-experienced young people is to find employment in their chosen field, and this is just one of the areas in which the charity feels businesses can help.
“Like any other charity, we rely on fundraising to keep our services going,” said Nia. “But we also and that businesses like to offer help in ways they think they can be most useful. Some will offer work experience, others might provide IT support or training.
“Any help businesses can provide in terms of helping to improve the chances of young people who’ve been in the care system increases their chances of achieving their potential.”
YMCA also has fundraising initiatives such as the CEO Sleep Out in Milton Keynes on November 14, which raises not only vital funds for YMCA, but also awareness of homelessness generally. There’s also SoupFest 2024, inviting people to hold a soup supper for friends or family to raise money, supported by a soup recipe book.
The book costs £5 and businesses are invited to sell copies in their reception areas or buy a number to give as gifts. More information about the work done by Northamptonshire YMCA, and details of fundraising events and activities, can be found at their website.
Businesses that would like to and out more about how they can help should email Fundraising Manager Lorraine Devereux at Lorraine.devereux@ymca.com
