YMCA Exeter Ambassadors help facilitate Lifeskills Courses 

Seeing young people grow and thrive at YMCA Exeter is one of the biggest privileges. And it’s thanks to support from friends like you, that our work is possible.  

This story beautifully shows the full circle as residents move through our stages and begin to provide support to those starting out.  

At YMCA Exeter we have four stages of affordable, supported housing across Exeter, for young people who are at risk of homelessness. Stage 1 is our entry point, a 31-bed residential centre with 24/7 support available. From there, residents can progress in their own time to shared houses in Stage 2 and 3 and finally into 1-bed flats in Stage 4. As residents move through the stages of housing, the support reduces, giving the young person the opportunity to gradually live more independently.   

About a year ago, Lydia Brown, YMCA Exeter’s Housing Projects Coordinator and Warden developed a series of Lifeskills Courses for Stage 1 residents to participate in.  

And now, YMCA Exeter Ambassadors, Kirstie and Andy, from Stage 4, assist Lydia in these courses. 

“Andy and Kirstie are an absolute asset to me in running the lifeskills courses and make running the course more seamless,” explains Lydia. “They help set up and down and offer valuable insight into the topics discussed. They assist residents struggling with reading and writing and help motivate the group.  

Andy explains how he enjoys watching the residents learn and grow:

“My experience as a Stage 4 resident means that I am able to show them that the progression through the stages is possible as long as you’re able to learn and work with the staff achieving the goals set by yourself and the staff.” 

Kirstie has enjoyed watching the residents perspectives change as they take part in the courses: 

“Some highlights from being involved have been getting to know the residents, to see the residents become more engaged over time, the challenge in the budgeting course and to see perspectives change over the course sessions. 

“The courses help residents to develop the skills to be more successful with transitioning into living in a shared house and eventually independent living. Also by engaging in the sessions, residents develop their social skills.” 

Lydia has known Andy and Kirstie since they first joined YMCA Exeter at Stage 1 and explains what an honour it is to see their progression:   

“I have known Andy and Kirstie since they were both residents at Stage 1 and have seen them progress through the stages. Andy is more level-headed and can navigate discussions gracefully and professionally. Kirstie’s confidence has grown tenfold, as she would have never helped run a group while living at Stage 1. Seeing both Andy and Kirstie who they are now and the journey they have been on is a privilege and an honour to witness.”  

Thank you for the part you’ve played in making this possible.