Stacey found herself homeless and sleeping in her car after frequent fights with her mother. She was referred to One YMCA, Bishops Stortford where she found not just a roof over her head, but care, support and mentoring in independent living skills . This is her story…
After I moved out of home I lived with a friend for a couple of months but, due to overcrowding, I had to leave and found myself having to sleep in my car. I sought advice from my local council and I was referred to One YMCA, Bishops Stortford.
When I first moved into YMCA I was suffering from depression and anxiety, causing me to have breakdowns. From the outset the support team and fellow residents at YMCA made me feel safe and at ease. Finding out my support worker was available to speak at any time of day or night was a surprise but it really helped reduce my anxiety.
Finding a way out of debt I was in more than £15,000 of debt when I moved to YMCA.
My support worker referred me to the debt charity Step Change and with their help I set up a repayment plan that has allowed me to pay off £5,000 so far.
I am very grateful for the support I received during my stay and especially appreciative of the Covid-19 checks that were conducted daily, which made me feel safe and cared for. The lockdown period has been depressing as I have not been able to see or meet friends, so I’m happy we now have a bit more freedom.
Becoming more independent
The 18 months of support I’ve received from One YMCA has taught me so many independent living skills and I really feel ready to live independently in the community now. When I was given my two months’ notice I received support in contacting East Herts Council Home Options and was allocated a housing support officer. My support worker and housing officer both helped me to understand what I needed to do and the services that were available to me. I have been bidding for a new home regularly on the council housing register and I’m hoping to be able to get a Stacey’s Story Housing Association property.
I’m truly grateful to have been given access to the crash pad for an additional six weeks while continuing to bid for properties – getting my own forever home is my last hurdle to overcome!
Looking to the future
My confidence has grown tremendously since moving into YMCA and that is something I will take with me and am very grateful for. I have also learnt to enjoy my own company and focus on things that help me move forward in life, such as education and managing my money. It’s so reassuring to know I can still contact YMCA for help and support even after I move out.
Since moving into YMCA, I decided to enrol onto a university course and I started my Human Resources degree at Middlesex University in September.
