Every month, our supported accommodation provides a safe and stable place for young people to begin rebuilding confidence, independence, and a sense of routine.
In January, 73 young people lived in our Southampton accommodation. During the month, there were six positive move-ons and no negative move-ons, alongside strong engagement with education, training, and YMCA programmes.
Behind these figures are personal journeys – often quiet, gradual, and deeply meaningful.
A Young Person’s Story
One young person joined the YMCA recently after experiencing significant instability in their home life. Arriving with understandable anxiety, they were initially unsure about settling into shared accommodation and building new routines.
With consistent support from their key worker and the wider team, they quickly began engaging with everyday activities – from cooking and laundry to regular check-ins and informal conversations with staff and peers. Establishing these small routines helped build confidence and a sense of belonging.
Alongside this, the young person continued their college studies and began talking positively about future plans, including volunteering and developing new skills. They’ve taken pride in maintaining their space, managing their finances responsibly, and attending key work sessions to work through personal goals at a steady pace.
Although challenges remain, the young person has spoken openly about feeling more settled and supported since arriving at the YMCA. They’ve started forming connections with others in the house and are actively engaging with the support available to them.
Why This Matters
Progress for young people is rarely instant or dramatic. Often, it’s seen in:
- Feeling safe enough to settle
- Building daily life skills
- Staying engaged with education or training
- Developing trust and confidence over time
These outcomes reflect the importance of stable accommodation, consistent support, and compassionate relationships.
As this story shows, early steps – taken at the right pace – can make a meaningful difference in helping young people move forward with confidence.
