“When my mum was pregnant with me, she found out I had a kidney problem and it was unlikely I would survive, but she didn’t give up on me – I beat the odds. However, at the age of four I was placed into foster care. I was moved around a lot and never felt like I was at home anywhere.”
Due to her polycystic kidney disorder, growing up was quite difficult for Sophie. She had to be very careful not to run around and get as involved with play as other children as the disorder was triggered by high blood pressure. When Sophie was 13, she was also diagnosed with a global learning disability, meaning her life got even more complicated. Some secondary schools find it difficult to handle these kinds of disabilities and unfortunately for Sophie she was asked to leave by several of them.
“Eventually I was able to move home and I started at YMCA Key College. I’ve now passed my entry 3 level catering, meaning I have moved up to Level 1. I’m also working on level 1 English and Maths. My favourite staff are Rebecca, Paula, Yasmine and Bianca. YMCA Key College is the best college ever. This is the first time I’ve ever got 100% in college or school. I can’t thank the staff enough for what they do for me. Since I’ve been at the YMCA I have been more happy in myself.”
“YMCA Key College is the best college ever. This is the first time I’ve ever got 100% in college or school. I can’t thank the staff enough for what they do for me. Since I’ve been at the YMCA I have been more happy in myself.”
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.
Having spent two years living a reclusive life, Nathan didn’t communicate with anyone – he’d given up and had no motivation. Find out how YMCA Derbyshire provided him with friends for life and dramatically increased his confidence.
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.
Mikey joined YMCA Derbyshire when he was 16 because of issues at home; he found he was doing nothing, smoking drugs, just passing the day. Find out how we have provided him with the motivation to find a job and turn his life around for the better.
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.
