Happy Women Project: A Festive Trip

After a year in a hostel, Liam arrived isolated and in a cycle of constant mental health crisis, rooted in childhood trauma. His biggest struggle was managing money, which triggered self-destructive behaviour. Read how YMCA North Tyneside helped Liam shift his focus to healing.

For four years, Sarah was caught in a cycle of homelessness, trauma, and addiction, unable to access basic healthcare or housing. Her biggest barrier? A historical “arson” flag from an accidental fire—a non-conviction that caused every other housing provider to refuse her help. The YMCA looked past the label and saw a person in crisis. Read how YMCA North Tyneside helped Sarah rebuild her life.

Supported housing, exemplified by a young woman’s move to YMCA North Tyneside, significantly empowers individuals with learning difficulties towards independence, boosting their confidence and providing crucial support and reassurance to their families.

Experiencing homelessness after release from prison and grappling with mental health and substance misuse, Joe found a path towards stability and social connection through the support of the YMCA, gradually overcoming his initial distrust and engaging with services to rebuild his life.

Homeless after a stabbing and struggling with depression, anxiety, and substance misuse, David found relief and support with YMCA as he works towards a stable future.

Olivia’s story is a stark reminder of how systemic failures can devastate a young life. Imagine a childhood fractured by instability, a constant cycle of abandonment. That was Olivia’s reality. Entering the care system at a young age, she endured multiple foster home breakdowns in the North East. Then, at just 12, she was uprooted and sent to a children’s home in Scotland, deepening her sense of displacement.

After a rocky start in life with a difficult home background, Leah was keen to gain some independence as her foster parents were due to retire.

The death of her partner sent Vicky’s life spiralling. 8 years and an abusive partner later, Vicky’s 2 children were living with her mum, she was in rent arrears and trying to recover from a Heroin addiction, that’s when YMCA stepped in.

After multiple police incidents and difficulties at home, the Youth Offending Team along with Social Services referred Abi to YMCA. Abi’s behaviour made her presence at home with her mum and younger siblings unsafe, forcing Social Services to take action, removing Abi’s 1 year old son from the home and placing them both into alternative care.

Rosie was referred to YMCA at the age of 16 at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. With her parents out of the country and grandparents unable to cope with caring for her, Rosie found herself in a dark place with nowhere to go.