Meet Alfie
Alfie joined YMCA Stepping Stones in 2022. His guardian recently wrote to the team at the nursery to express their gratitude for the care he has received.
When Nathan first arrived at YMCA Derbyshire, he was having quite serious issues with anxiety and depression.
“Having spent the past 2 years living a reclusive life, I didn’t communicate with anyone. I’d given up and had no motivation. I was very nervous about the environment I would be living in and the type of people that might be living there.”
After a short while, Nathan began to feel more at home and realised there were a lot of friendly people. It didn’t take long for him to make lots of new friendships, which increased his confidence dramatically.
“The day to day running of the YMCA was an eye-opener. I didn’t know the extent of what the staff actually did and it was evident that they genuinely care and wanted to help. They want to put you back on your feet to carry on progressing in your life by the time you leave. I am willing to do anything to help as YMCA Derbyshire is a special place to me”
Within 2-3 weeks, Nathan was put in touch with a counsellor to help with his anxiety. He then signed up to the gym and was playing football twice a week. Alongside that, he found his creative side again and set up a mini recording studio in his room.
“The recording studio meant I was able to record myself and other talented people I knew of as well. I actually recorded a full album that reflected my emotions and outlook on life while being at YMCA.
Eventually I am hoping to share it with other YMCA’s residents around the country to maybe help others through their tough times. I will always be grateful to the staff at YMCA and am willing to do anything I can to help, as it is a special place to me. YMCA has helped me in so many different ways, now I feel like I am in a more focused frame of mind. I want to see what is round the corner instead of worrying what is round the corner.”
“The day to day running of the YMCA was an eye-opener. I didn’t know the extent of what the staff actually did and it was evident that they genuinely care and wanted to help. They want to put you back on your feet to carry on progressing in your life by the time you leave.”
Alfie joined YMCA Stepping Stones in 2022. His guardian recently wrote to the team at the nursery to express their gratitude for the care he has received.
Milo found school very difficult and struggled with his teachers. He felt he wasn’t very understood. Milo left school at 14 but found YMCA Key College a while after.
Now, he’s flourishing in ways he never thought imaginable.
Michael had a tough life due to difficult living arrangements with family members and foster carers. After an argument with his father, Michael found himself in the care of YMCA Derbyshire. Find out how we have helped him to have a better outlook on life.
Due to polycystic kidney disorder, growing up was already difficult for Sophie. Then, when she was 13, she was diagnosed with a global learning disability, meaning life got even more complicated for her. Find out how we have helped Sophie with her education.
There are many ways in which you can support YMCA Derbyshire in our mission to support young people in local the area.
By donating, you will enable us to continue providing the specialised support we believe every young person deserves. You can sign up for a regular monthly donation or make a one-off payment. To donate and for further information about what your donation can provide, click the button below.
There are various ways you can get involved. You may wish to take part in an exercise challenge, have your very own Sleep Easy at any time of year or Small Talks Big Difference Tea Talk event. We’ve included more information below and we’d love to hear your ideas too.
Partnerships can make a lifetime of difference; by choosing us as your ‘Charity of the Year’, you can help us in our mission to change the lives of young people in Derbyshire. For the many ways to get involved, and the benefits of a partnership with us, click the button below.
By volunteering with us, you could change a life! By volunteering with YMCA Derbyshire, you will have a part in helping us achieve our goals and positively impact lives of our learners, residents and local community. For further information about volunteering, click below.
