At 21 I suddenly found myself homeless. One day my mum told me to pack my bags and just leave. I had £96 in the account and didn’t know what to do. I decided to walk into town and speak to the local council. Eventually, with help from a social worker, I found a small…
YMCA Exeter is excited to announce its plans for a ground-breaking Supported Housing Pathway, securing stable accommodation for the young people of Torbay and Plymouth. The new plans will see 83 homes established for young people at risk of or facing homelessness. With over 40 years of experience delivering long-term affordable housing for young people…
It was great to welcome BBC Spotlight to our Lighthouse cafe on Wednesday. Thank you to YMCA Exeter residents, Lewis and Chas* for sharing your thoughts on the Autumn statement. *name changed YMCA Exeter welcomes the new changes that the government has announced today to raise the minimum wage, to increase benefits by 6.7% and to…
It’s a big thank you from us and a fond farewell to the Rt Rev. Robert Atwell as he stepped down from his role as Bishop of Exeter during a beautiful service of thanksgiving at Exeter Cathedral on Sunday 17th September. “Bishop Robert has been a constant support to YMCA Exeter over his seven years of…
It’s wonderful to be able to take a break from talking about potential funding cuts and let you into some breaking news. It’s been a little over a year since we opened Sidwell Studios – our first step in tackling the massive need for housing for young people in Exeter and Devon. It’s a rewarding…
YMCA EXETER is relieved and thankful to hear that Devon County Council has pressed pause on plans to stop funding support for homeless people. The news was announced by Devon County Council on Tuesday 8th August, less than a week after the special Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee meeting where Vice Chair, Martin…
At age 12, Rachel Davey moved to the rural village of Broadclyst and discovered YMCA Exeter’s Youth Club, almost literally, right on her doorstep! Now 18 years old, Rachel kindly met with us to chat about how YMCA Exeter has supported her. We take her to Exeter’s Chococo Café – after six years at Youth…
In the lead up to the Devon County Council Scrutiny meeting on 27th July, we have produced an “Alternative” Report on the consultation on the proposal to cease the contribution to the 18+ Homeless Prevention funding across Devon. The Scrutiny meeting looking at the proposed cuts on their webcast. Details of how to watch can…
A big thank you to everyone who tuned in to Devon County Council’s Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday 13th June. The public meeting was the next step in the discussions around the proposed plans by Devon County Council to cut the 18+ homelessness prevention fund which would have a devastating impact…
On February 22nd Devon County Council surprised us with the news that they were proposing to cut funds to the 18+ homelessness services. If this goes ahead, YMCA Exeter will lose over £157,000 per year in funding and the consequences for vulnerable young adults will be huge. The public consultation came to a close on…
