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At first Bradley lacked confidence, was shy and withdrawn, didn’t have a job or the skills to live independently.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:
YMCA Airplay VS RAF Leeming 2024
By Ella Graham. Last year, our Airplay Youth Club took on the challenge of competing against RAF Leeming in a series of fun-filled games and activities. The event was such a hit that the children immediately requested it become an annual tradition! This May, our young...
Picnic in the Park 2024: A Roaring Success
By Cameron Galloway. Our biggest community event of the year was a huge success with over 3,000 guests in attendance to celebrate YMCA Founders Day and our 145th anniversary. Despite a mixed forecast, we arrived on site at 7.50am to clear blue skies and a warm breeze....
Our First Ullswater Challenge
By Cameron Galloway. On Saturday 20th April a group of 30 challengers took on YMCA North Tyneside’s Ullswater Challenge. This 22-mile hike around the perimeter of Ullswater started and finished at our Patterdale Estate, tying the beauty of the Lake District back to...
Day in the life of a Support Coordinator
Hi I’m Chloe and I’m a Support Coordinator with YMCA North Tyneside. I’m currently based at our housing office in Stockton where myself and my manager Sarah work as a 2 person team. We support a total of 19 residents with a variety of different support needs, 6 of...
A Day in the Life of a Station Youth Worker
Mel has been the Station Youth Worker for Airplay Leeming for the last 7 years and after 20+ years in the youth work field, Airplay has been one of her longest serving roles. Mel tells us that there is something special about working on RAF Leeming with the Airplay...
Recent Comments