Mike's Story

Mike became a resident at YMCA Central Herts’ Peartree Lane in February 2009. He had moved in as a result of a family breakdown that had forced him out of the family home, leaving him without a place to live.

Moving out from home for the first time was a daunting prospect, but with the help and support of the YMCA housing team Mike quickly became more self-dependant, and says  - “the experience has  developed me as a person and helped me become who I am today.”

 While living at Peartree Lane Mike has been giving the opportunity to take part in some extraordinary experiences such as visiting the United Nations in Geneva to address the Human Rights Council in a debate about youth justice.

During his time at Peartree Lane Mike attended several YMCA youth sessions at YMCA Space and witnessed the incredible hard work and dedication of the YMCA Youth Team. Mike was inspired by the session and applied for a youth worker position at YMCA Space Welwyn Garden City, and now works full time helping young people.

YMCA Central Herts have journeyed with Mike through a difficult time, and helped him out along the way, but most importantly Mike has developed independence and confidence that he can use for whatever challenges arise in the future.