Beyond Supported Living: A Journey to Self-Sufficiency

Since her time at the YMCA, Sarah* has made a really big impact on the building and the staff at the YMCA. Sarah is always willing to help out and get involved with every activity that is on. 

When Sarah first moved in she was anxious and worried and suffered from poor mental health but has since  matured and developed key independent living skills and has grown in confidence. 

She can recognise what a healthy relationship should look like and has the confidence to face the world on her own terms. She has worked very hard alongside her key workers to achieve her path in life and has very big dreams and aspirations for the future, this inspires a lot of the other residents. She has shown the other residents that it is possible to pursue day to day goals whilst living in a supported accommodation. She has recognised the stigma that is around supported accommodations and is trying to prove those people wrong. 

Sarah has proved this by securing rented accommodation in the community which she is currently decorating herself whilst still being in contact with staff to show us her progress,which she is very proud of what she is achieving. 

Sarah knows that she is able to contact staff even when she no longer resides at the YMCA for any advice she may need and she is always welcome back for chat whenever she needs to.

Sarah has gone on to secure an apprenticeship at the YMCA Day Nursery, don’t know who is more proud, us for being part of her journey or her for achieving her life goals. 

* Sarah is a name used here for confidentiality