International Women’s Day with Lydia Brown 

This International Women’s Day the powerful theme, Give to Gain, calls for a mindset rooted in generosity, collaboration and shared progress. 

What better way to celebrate this than with our very own Torbay Housing Manager and Warden, Lydia Brown, who embodies everything this day represents.  

Meet Lydia Brown 

“I’ve worked at YMCA Exeter for over eight years now,” says Lydia, “And I’m here for the young people all the time. I just come alongside them and support them.”  

Lydia is originally from Paignton, but joined YMCA Exeter as a support worker and the first female warden, living on site in Exeter and supporting young people coming out of homelessness and moving into supported housing.  

“Seeing the change in young people is huge, it’s so inspirational,” explains Lydia. “I remember going to see one resident with another colleague when he was struggling through a mental health episode. Now he has a wife and children and is doing so well. He’s asked me to give him a reference for a job he’s applying for.” 

In 2025, Lydia’s role took on a whole new dimension, setting up supported housing for 36 young people in Paignton.  

“I’m a year into this new role in Paignton and I’m loving it,” says Lydia. “Torbay has seen a 68% change in real-terms spending on youth services since 2010/11. I’ve seen youth centres close and it’s the young people who are most impacted.  

“I believe God wants us in Paignton to bring life back into the town and give young people opportunities to thrive.”  

Lydia has built a wonderful team of support workers, housing specialists and Employment, Meaningful Occupation, Training and Education (EMOTE) specialists, along with a list of over 21 businesses, charities and groups collaborating with the team in Paignton.  

“My hopes and dreams for this new project is that it becomes an integral part of the community,” says Lydia. “And for the young people to contribute to the community.”  

Find out more about our new housing projects in Devon.