A small group designed to empower residents to take responsibility for themselves and others. Residents are coached through areas of wellbeing and life-goals over 8 weeks, within a safe and supportive setting that facilitates growing peer to peer support.
Our Story
Having volunteered within the Charter House Hostel for a couple of years, offering social drop-ins, games nights, walking groups and quizzes, we wanted to create a programme to help residents take the next step in their independence. The aim was to help people recognize their strength and value in a more intentional way. After gaining confidence and ideas through the Authentic Human Connection training, we launched the pilot Coaching and Development Group in February 2022.
Our approach
We invited four residents who felt they were ready for change to join our 3 month programme, meeting every 2 weeks in a neutral and aspirational venue. We ran through different coaching and wellbeing topics, including having guest facilitators join us to bring their expertise. We created a safe space for individuals to be listened to and support one another on their individual journeys. We ended the journey with a professional coach offering a free one-to-one session to help them take steps forward.
Our reach
We have currently run one group in Charter House Hostel as a pilot, with four residents.
Our hope is that this model can be replicated, so that other residents can benefit, both in Charter House and in other Hostels across One YMCA.
Get involved
Volunteering:
This programme has been imagined, designed and implemented by our wonderful volunteer team, with the support of Project Connect. If you are interested in helping to run a Coaching and Development group for residents in one of our hostels, please consider applying to join our volunteer team.
“Encouraged by the learnings from the Authentic Human Connection training, I really enjoyed building and delivering this course for the group. Seeing and hearing the positive impact that it had on them to be heard and invested in was incredibly rewarding. I’m looking forward to delivering another in the coming months.”
See the role description herePartnering:
One of our partners, Wellspring Church, has helped to provide an aspirational venue, professional coach Niki Lewarne has offered heavily discounted sessions, and Helping Herts Homeless have given money towards running a future course.
If you are interested in supporting us financially, with a venue, with your skills, or with your prayer, we’d love to hear from you!
Connecting:
This programme has been created by our volunteer Suzanne Harding, co-facilitated by volunteer Renate Lejina, and supported by Connect Manager Chris Moffat.
We would love to share more about our experience, learn from you, and together enable more opportunities for our Residents to thrive. Please do drop us a line!
Get in touch with Suzanne Get in touch with Chris
