Looking Back to Build Forward History is a fascinating subject. It is made up of the stories we tell about our past and present. It can be told from differing perspectives depending on who is telling the story because it is influenced by the ‘lens’ of the narrator. We often tell and hear stories from…
“Moments to pause and reflect are often elusive in our fast-paced busy lives, yet when we are intentional in stopping we are reminded of the huge blessings that surround us and the incredible hurdles God has already overcome. This isn’t a 21st-century issue, however. Many times in the Bible we read of God’s own people…
Our amazing staff at YMCA Exeter work quietly behind the scenes, helping each young person to access the support they need and begin a journey of recovery. It’s rarely straightforward, but a gradual process of tiny steps forward. Jamie’s story of transformation is a wonderful reminder of how each staff member is essential for the…
A couple of weeks ago I spoke to Emma*. As she bravely shared her story with me, it was a fresh reminder of why young people urgently need access to safe and affordable accommodation. This month we’re celebrating raising over £200,000 towards the Sidwell Studios build. Emma’s story is a stark reminder of why the new development…
During National Volunteers Week, we wanted to share with you Bambi’s story (pictured above). Over the past year Bambi has been supported by our Community Connecting team where young people all over Exeter are introduced to activities that increase wellbeing and enrich lives. For Bambi, volunteering has played a big role in their story and this…
May bank-holiday weekend saw people from across Devon taking part in the Captain Tom 100 challenge to raise vital funds for YMCA Exeter’s work with local, young people. From skating 100 laps of the Heavitree skatepark, to litter picking 100 pieces of litter around St David’s Hill, local people used their imagination and rose to the challenge. …
We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our residents was found unresponsive at our supported accommodation in Exeter earlier this afternoon and was confirmed deceased by the paramedics. The immediate family have been informed and police liaison officers are providing support at this extremely difficult time. As this has just happened, the cause…
YMCA Exeter saw over 160 people sign up to the first virtual Sleep Easy event on Friday 19th February. The week-long event provided free activities and a focus throughout half-term for families during lockdown and culminated in a big sleepover on the Friday night. The virtual event invited children and young people to swap…
YMCA Exeter and Exeter City Council, alongside Homes England, are launching a joint venture to tackle Exeter’s 1-bed housing crisis by taking an abandoned warehouse in Acland Road – near the city centre – and converting it into 26 self-contained studio apartments. Each apartment will provide a young person with a permanent, affordable home and…
New research from the Young and Black report, released today by YMCA, reveals that 95% of young Black people have heard and witnessed racist language at school, and 78% have heard and witnessed racist language in the workplace. Worryingly, young Black people in the UK said that they now grow up expecting to experience racism because of…
