Bradley arrived at YMCA North Tyneside in 2020, when he was just 16. He was homeless and needed support, but he clearly had a lot of unfulfilled potential. Two years on, Bradley has a job, is living independently and has become a YMCA Youth Ambassador. He is excited to be heading to YMCA’s World Council event in Denmark to learn more about the worldwide impact of YMCA.
At first Bradley lacked confidence, was shy and withdrawn, didn’t have a job or the skills to live independently. But with support from YMCA, Bradley secured a job as a waiter at a local pizza restaurant. After just six months his employer promoted him to shift supervisor and gave him a permanent contract.
Recently Bradley has had the confidence to move away from YMCA’s Supported Accommodation and into one of YMCA’s ‘Moving On’ apartments (a Crisis funded initiative offering a stepping stone to independent living). Currently he still receives weekly support from YMCA but is steadily taking more and more responsibility for managing and paying household bills.
His support work team was so impressed by Bradley’s progress that they nominated him for the role of YMCA Youth Ambassador; part of a national and international programme for developing young people.
Youth Ambassadors act as the leading representatives of young people within YMCA England & Wales. They help determine the areas of policy, attend national and international events and act as spokespeople for the organisation locally and nationally.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community Bradley is well placed to represent and serve the needs of young people of all sexualities. He has been supportive to other YMCA North Tyneside residents and is keen on giving young people a voice. He is travelling to Copenhagen in July 2022 to represent YMCA North Tyneside and our young people. As well as to learn from the inspirational work of other Youth Ambassadors from around the world.
In June 2022, Bradley met with Alan Campbell MP (pictured) and spoke about his life, his experiences, and the work he’s already performed as a Youth Ambassador for YMCA North Tyneside.
If you’re interested in volunteering with YMCA please get in contact today.
Read more news stories:
The Importance of Community Meals
Our Community Meals are a comfy, warm, fully inclusive, safe non-judgemental space for everyone to access a hot meal, all while tackling social isolation, and ensuring our locals feel like they belong to their community. We have many regular attendees, but one...
A Forestry Legacy For Years To Come
In a remarkable display of environmental stewardship, our team of 31 dedicated volunteers embarked on a mammoth mission over the past 12 months to restore the natural beauty of our Patterdale Estate in the breathtaking Lake District. Through their tireless efforts,...
A Safe Home for Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers
Despite the difficulties many of the asylum seekers have faced in their short lives, our 10 young men appear to be adapting well to life in the UK. Housing Support Workers are reporting high levels of engagement with English language courses and other educational...
Kielder Challengers Triumph
By Cat Morton, Fundraising Coordinator. On a stormy Saturday in July, 22 determined people took on the challenge to complete the 26, undulating miles around Kielder Reservoir, and they absolutely smashed it! We began at Hawkhope car park and headed anti-clockwise...
YMCA National Conference 2023
By Charlie Mood, HR Assistant. Last week I got the opportunity to attend the YMCA National Conference as a part of the Youth Ambassador Programme, representing both YMCA England and Wales and my local YMCA, YMCA North Tyneside. After being welcomed to the conference...
Recent Comments