Trauma, Loss, and Exclusion
Sarah arrived at the YMCA in late 2024 after four years of chronic homelessness and sofa surfing. Her instability was driven by a long-term struggle with substance misuse, compounded by a catastrophic life event: she woke up one morning to find her long-term partner and sole support system deceased.
The trauma and subsequent decrease in her mental health led to an accidental fire near her home. While officially deemed accidental with no charges pressed by the court, the historical “arson” flag effectively rendered her unhoused by other providers. For four years, she was trapped in a cycle where homelessness and addiction fuelled self-neglect, increasing her anxiety and making it impossible to access basic services, including a GP, due to having no fixed address.
Belief and Immediate Stability
Sarah described her arrival as a moment of anxious gratitude:
“No one knew my full story as no one listened until I came to the YMCA. They listened to me, heard my story and looked into this and accepted me for a home.”
The YMCA team prioritised listening and looking beyond the label. By offering a secure, beautiful home and stability, we immediately opened the door to critical support services that were previously inaccessible:
- Fixed Address: Gaining a fixed address instantly allowed Sarah to register with a GP and access essential physical and mental health services.
- Structured Engagement: She has achieved 100% attendance at key worker sessions and consistently engaged with external services including drug and alcohol support, sexual health, and mental health advice.
- Reversing Self-Neglect: With routine and security, Sarah has demonstrated a marked improvement in her physical health and personal hygiene, actively choosing to prioritise self-care over substance-seeking behaviour.
Rebuilding Life and Relationships
Sarah is now actively working towards her future goals: achieving sobriety, securing her own independent home, and, crucially, repairing her relationship with her father.
Her transformation is profound: she is actively addressing her addiction instead of using drugs as a coping mechanism, is working on budgeting, and is engaging with a regular nurse.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what YMCA staff have done, they have given me a chance and a beautiful home, stability and security.”
Sarah’s story is a powerful demonstration that our housing programme operates as a vital solution to systemic exclusion, offering a non-judgmental chance for individuals with the most complex trauma to regain their stability and rebuild a life worth living.
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