John's Story

John was referred to the YMCA Housing Team by a Youth Worker from one of our community projects after he confided that he had been kicked out of home by his parents and was sleeping on a friend's sofa. Aged 18 he was known to be using drugs and he regularly drank excessive amounts of alcohol.

Fortunately for John the YMCA was able to offer support and guidance to help him overcome his addictions.

He also started to attend a new ‘SO HIGH' group at Space, the YMCA's Youth and Community Centre. The aim of the group is to help young people overcome life controlling substance misuse issues and also provides one-to-one counselling.

John has now stopped using drugs, and he is volunteering at a charity shop learning new skills while helping to raise money to support people like him. He is also developing his skills having enrolled on a part-time college course.

John still lives at the YMCA and regularly participates in other YMCA activities where he has made many new friends.

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