Four years ago, a young person moved into YMCA Basingstoke facing significant challenges.
He was experiencing poor mental health, engaging in daily self-harm and drinking heavily. At the same time, he was navigating his gender transition as a transgender young man – a deeply personal process that requires affirmation, safety and understanding.
In those early months, trust was limited.
Our team focused first on building a consistent foundation of trust, respect and understanding. Staff worked to ensure he felt safe, listened to and affirmed in his identity. Regular safeguarding and welfare checks were carried out, appointments were attended together, and referrals were made to ensure he had access to the right specialist support.
YMCA Basingstoke remained the central point of coordination throughout. While services such as Catch22 and the Bridge Centre mental health team provided key interventions, our team worked closely alongside them – maintaining communication, monitoring progress and ensuring the support around him was joined up and steady.
Over time, progress began to show.
He engaged with therapy and accessed support for alcohol use. He reports feeling significantly more positive in himself and has stopped self-harming. During his time with us, he also underwent gender-affirming surgery and continues his transition – something that has had a meaningful and positive impact on his wellbeing.
Within the YMCA Basingstoke community, he built friendships and developed a sense of belonging. Shared experiences and everyday moments helped strengthen his confidence.
Today, he has successfully moved into his own home. He is actively seeking employment and speaks about the future with optimism.
Before leaving, he thanked the YMCA Basingstoke team for their steadfast support and commitment to his journey.
This move-on reflects more than housing progress. It reflects consistent care, identity respected, coordinated support and a young person gaining confidence in who he is.
And that is something worth recognising.
