YMCA DERBYSHIRE

Our Community in Stories Summer 2021

Welcome to YMCA Derbyshire’s Community Stories 2021 edition Throughout the pandemic, our work has continued, expanded and adapted to meet the needs of those who will benefit most from our services and the opportunities we can offer them. This booklet is a celebration of the solidarity, resilience and achievements of our residents, students, partners and staff that make our YMCA Derbyshire community the unique and special place it is. We hope you draw inspiration from these individuals and learn more about YMCA Derbyshire’s commitment to our vision that young people and communities will thrive so they can; • • • •

fulfil their dreams; have a safe space to learn and grow; feel equipped to belong, contribute and prosper; and feel supported to be active in body, mind and spirit.

Together we create places where people flourish. Protect Trust Hope Persevere Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and made this booklet possible. Caroline Heaton Monitoring & Quality Assurance Officer Housing Team YMCA Derbyshire August 2021

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Mary Gordon CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, YMCA DERBYSHIRE

YMCA Derbyshire is an independent Christian charity committed to helping young people. Open 24/7 365 days a year, our philosophy is to support the whole person body, mind and spirit. “I’ve been Chair for three years but been involved with YMCA Derbyshire since 2001. I’m retired, but I like to think that I can still make a contribution. I just try my best to help improve the lives of people who are experiencing difficulties - that’s been my passion for years. YMCA Derbyshire reminds me that there are always people that need our help and being involved with them provides me with an opportunity to give something back. There are young people who have had experiences in their lives that I can’t imagine having to deal with. I have so much admiration for them striving to reach their potential and live their dreams. I’ve always been so impressed by the staff at the YMCA, I always feel like it’s more than a job to them. Having seen the lengths that they go to, I’m so proud to be part of the organisation. Wherever I go, I always tell whoever I talk to about the young people we work with and the incredible support they’re given by all the staff at YMCA Derbyshire. Staff responded so quickly to Covid-19 and put processes in place almost immediately. They’ve achieved so much within the community and with young people living and studying at both campus and YMCA Key College.

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I’m looking forward to a time when I can get back out to different sites and meet with staff again, simply to commend them. I am just blown away by what has been achieved; education that’s continued, relationships with businesses in terms of food provisions, getting residents involved in exercise classes, competitions and craft. I just felt that everybody did such an amazing job. The mental and emotional challenges must have been severe. I’m excited about the future – we have the ambition to grow and continue to make changes – how can we do more and how can we do better? We’re not stagnant. That driving forward is part of our reputation. I think YMCA Derbyshire has a great reputation for being a key player; it’s an organisation that is trusted and respected for their dedication and passion for supporting those who need it most.”

“” I’m excited about the future - we have the ambition to grow and continue to make changes.

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Mohammed Mohammed came to YMCA Derbyshire seeking asylum when he was 17 years old. During the short time he has been with us, he has progressed through our Foyer and now lives in a shared house in the community. Mohammed is currently studying at college. “I arrived in the UK when I was 17. When I first came here, I thought everything would be bad but I found nice people and the team at the YMCA have been amazing. They told me everything would be alright so I listened to them and took their advice. I will never forget what these people did for me – they have pushed and encouraged me, told me not to give up. When I left my country I left everything – family, friends and support. Thankfully I found friends in the UK and a nice place to stay. That is very important to me because I am young and if you live alone and change your country, you need support. Everything in the UK is different. When you see Police in my country, they don’t care what is happening, they’ll come to you to fight or to shoot you. Here it is safe. If I hadn’t come to the YMCA, I wouldn’t have made as many friends, learned English as well or had as much support. Derby is my favourite place in England. I like it everywhere in Derby; there are so many communities in Normanton. I’ll go for a walk at Elvaston Castle and feed the ducks. I can walk to the shops or go on my bike to town. I cook with my housemates and we share and eat together. This house has shown me how happy I can be – these people are like my family. If you get good friends it will be good for your future and for your family. The friends I have made here are Sudanese, English, Arabic and Kurdish. 5

Step by step I am going to college to learn English. When I came to YMCA Derbyshire, I didn’t know any English. Kurdish is my first language. I have a certificate from College for 100% attendance and punctuality and I have gained Entry Level English & Maths. Coronavirus has been very strange, I didn’t understand what it was and it made me stressed. I couldn’t go into college and had to study online. My advice to others is to be strong. Time doesn’t stop, you have to spend it on good things and follow your dreams. You never know if you will be alive tomorrow or not. Don’t say I will try tomorrow – do it today. Make a timetable for your life and try everything – things will not just come to you. You have to be stronger than your problem. In the future I want to be a pilot – it will be hard but if I don’t try I won’t know.”

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I arrived in the UK when I was 17. When I first came here, I thought everything would be bad but I found nice people and the team at the YMCA.

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Tiffany STUDYING LEVEL 1 CHILDCARE AT YMCA KEY COLLEGE

At campuses in Derby, Ilkeston and Chesterfield, YMCA Key College provides a range of accredited training courses for young people aged 16-18 and up to 24 in some instances (with and EHCP). We are proud to be an Ofsted “GOOD” rated training provider. Tiffany is just about to complete her Level 1 course in Childcare. “Compared to when I first arrived at YMCA Key College, I’m totally different. I used to get teary about change and wanted to go home. I would walk through the doors and cry because I didn’t want to be here. Sometimes I got really anxious so I went to the chill out room. My tutor, Dionne, told me there were people around me that wanted to be friends with me, and the next day I managed to stay for a full day. As the days went on, I did start to make friends. I am on the Autistic spectrum and have anxiety and depression so it could be difficult, but with staff support and encouragement it’s good now. I want people like me to know it’s okay on your first few days if you feel like you don’t want to be somewhere and feel like you have no friends. As the days go by, you’ll make friends and feel comfortable. I know it’s safe at YMCA Key College and staff have been really supportive. They can’t do enough for everyone that comes here – they want them to achieve.

My goals were to be confident, no tears when I wanted to go home, make friends and start talking to people. I achieved these goals. I enjoy my course and being with my friends – it’s a lot better than school. I have always wanted to be a teaching assistant because when I was younger I had one and they really helped me. College has been really good with Covid-19 – we had slots when we could come in. My tutors helped break my work down when I had problems with it. Health & Social Care Level 2 is my next step, I can’t wait. In the future I hope to work back at my old school.”

“” Compared to when I first arrived at YMCA Key College, I’m totally different . .

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Kelly PATHWAY COORDINATOR AT OUR CAMPUS IN DERBY

Our pathway consists of the Foyer which provides young people with opportunities to develop their strengths and learn skills before progressing onto our transitional housing programme Y-Steps. Kelly has been a part of our Housing team for two years. “I’ve worked with young people since I left school and love it. I started off at YMCA Derbyshire as an Evening Activities Leader running both relaxing and informative sessions like; pampering, bingo, mental health, life skills, CV writing, & job hunting. Now, as a Pathway Coordinator I work in the Foyer section of the organisation and get so much job satisfaction from what I do. Our job is to soften the transition from homelessness to a structured way of living at our campus. Many come here anxious and overwhelmed about the prospect of going back into independent living but we help them to develop their skills and confidence to make it less daunting. I am proud of the residents – some of them blow me away with their resilience, grit and determination. When I started working here I found the building daunting so I don’t know how that must feel as a homeless a 16 year old. I love helping people find an interest again; people who never thought they would go back to college or have the skills to get a job. Seeing people who are struggling with their mental health or with social anxiety coming out of their rooms and joining in is fantastic.

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I’m very attached to this job – I don’t just do it during my working hours – it’s part of my personality. It doesn’t always feel like work to me. I feel that nobody should face homelessness. People shouldn’t be made to feel that they don’t deserve the basics that we take for granted. I’m a Mum and I couldn’t imagine my kids being here or feeling frightened and that nobody cares –  I try and pin it back to what would I want someone to do for them if they were here.   We have an Advantaged Thinking ethos which means we look more at the strengths of those we serve. It’s interesting how the approach makes you rethink by really trying not to focus on the obstacles or negatives – look at it as a single situation or event and look at what the  positives are.   Covid-19 forced us to think outside the box to keep residents distracted from the pandemic, taking into account all the new rules and regulations. Our young people did struggle with isolation which had an impact on their mental health. It was a tough time, there’s no denying that, but we are almost out the other side and they’ve stayed strong which is fantastic to see. Our staff care deeply about people and you can see that from the progression our young people have continued to make in the face of adversity.”

“” I’m proud of the residents - some of them blow me away with their resilience, grit and determination. 10

Paul

SHEDDER, MEN IN SHEDS

Men in Sheds is a community space for men to connect, converse and create. Activities include woodworking, metal working, repairing and restoring. The aims are to share skills and knowledge and reduce isolation and loneliness. “I heard about Men in Sheds just before the first lockdown so didn’t end up coming until some point in June/July last year. What attracted me was that you get to play with tools – I am an Electronic Engineer. This is something to get up for rather than just being sat around watching Netflix all the time. I had a few problems with my mental health and things went wrong. Coming to Men in Sheds is about getting into the habit of doing something reliably and then getting back to work eventually. I manage to come here most of the time which wouldn’t have happened a few years ago. I also do voluntary work with the Maintenance team at YMCA.

I’m doing something constructive. I have developed skills here - I knew a bit already but there are always new things you can learn. I designed and made a seat with planters in it. There is a sense of community – it’s an easy place to go because it doesn’t matter how much or how little you do – if you aren’t that confident you can just stand and watch if you want. It helps me relax and I have met some nice people.”

“” I’m doing something constructive, I have developed skills here.

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Pauline and Les Pauline & Les are part of YMCA Derbyshire’s Housekeeping team. They work at our Campus in Derby which has 87 beds, a conference centre and head office. They have a combined service of 30 years. Pauline

Lesley

“My daughter was working here and said do you want to do some sessional work at the YMCA doing housekeeping, I was 59 years old and I’d been made redundant. That was 8 years ago I’ve been here ever since. I do three hours a day and I love talking to people.

“I started here in 1999 on a six month trial. 22 years later and I’m still here. I used to work as a care assistant but the home closed down.

The people who work here are really nice – we’re lucky. I have worked in a lot of places over the years and this is the friendliest – people don’t judge you for what you do. I feel like we definitely make a difference. I had to shield during the first lockdown and I couldn’t wait to get back to see people. Working at YMCA Derbyshire, you understand how different people are and you realise that you should not go through your life judging people because you do not know their circumstances. There is a story to every person. “

When I started working here there was no such thing as a support worker or training. Now, there are all sorts of training options to access like life skills – YMCA does lots for young people and staff. I just like helping people; it’s nice when you can. We have a good rapport with the residents. I’ve learned a lot about people over the years, you see all walks of life here. There has always been a sense of community. I always believe that you shouldn’t look down on people unless you are picking them up.”

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I was 59 years old and I’d been made redundant. That was eight years ago - I’ve been here ever since. 13

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I started here in 1999 on a six month trial. 22 years later and I’m still here. 14

Dan Dan came to YMCA Derbyshire two years ago and has progressed through our Young Persons’ Pathway. He was a part of our Foyer and has completed courses at YMCA Key College. Dan has recently moved onto our Y-Steps programme which provides transitional housing for young people who are entering employment or education. When I first came to YMCA Derbyshire I was nervous moving into a new place with all these people around me. I felt scared and alone for the first week but after that I started to relax a bit. Everyone was friendly which took me by surprise - I wasn’t expecting that.

I also started helping out with YMCA Derbyshire’s burger van. We won some funding for it which helped a lot. We managed to do some events and we were going to take the van to festivals but then Covid-19 hit. I had such big plans for it.

The support I had from staff was incredible from when I first moved in - checking on me to see how I was doing, encouraging me to socialise – like family really. I needed social interaction. I could have stayed in my room forever but if you don’t have anyone to talk to you start to climb the walls. I started playing pool, and taking part in every activity I could.

I liked YMCA Key College and learned a lot. It was a great atmosphere. – friendly. I got on with everyone I with and it really built my confidence. The course lasted a year and it felt great when I passed.

When Foyer came it felt weird having a structure – apart from school I’ve never really had that structure that I needed. It gave me a reason to go out of my room every day. I loved it and I’ve learned so much and it was completely interactive. I started college about a year after I moved in here – Level 2 Food Hygiene. I had been volunteering in the kitchen and got my Food Hygiene certificate. A couple of us started cooking in the kitchen with a staff member and then Supper Club started. This is what made me want to go back to College to study catering again. It rekindled my passion for cooking.

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I have now managed to get a job at McDonalds and move offsite. I never imagined I would be doing anything like this when I first moved in. I’d done nothing with my life, but I’ve managed to turn it around. Without the support and encouragement from people at YMCA Derbyshire I never would have done it - I would have given up and not shown up or even applied for the job. YMCA Derbyshire literally turned my life around for the better, I would hate to think where I would be if I hadn’t come here. I’ve put the effort into getting the job and keeping it – I have every reason to be proud. In the future I want a place of my own and to see where work takes me. I’m looking forward to it.”

“” YMCA Derbyshire literally turned my life around for the better.

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Rebecca TRAINING & EDUCATION MANAGER, YMCA KEY COLLEGE

YMCA Key College provides a safe, secure and flexible environment for young people aged 16-19 (up to 24 in some instances) to gain accredited qualifications. Our young people also develop personal and work related skills for employment. Courses take place at our campuses based in Derby, Ilkeston and Chesterfield. We are proud to be an Ofsted “GOOD” rated training provider. “At YMCA Key College we work with students who struggle in mainstream schools. We’re a smaller college so that helps those who struggle at the bigger colleges. We work with learners to help them to help them get ready for work, teach them life skills and improve self-esteem and confidence.

We’re currently looking at doing extra health and wellbeing activities. This will include a project with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and possible gym membership, which will help students to get outside and exercise too. There’s definitely been a dip in young people’s mental health because of the pandemic.

They have all worked so hard this last year – it’s been tough for everyone but especially for the students. We kept YMCA Key College open to try and keep some normality for them. Having that safe space has been important if they are having a difficult time at home - the structure gives them something to work for and it’s important to keep them motivated. During lockdown, college was the only place they could go.

As staff we are always learning something new. I’m learning something new every day, even though I’ve been here for seven years.

There is nothing more important than the relationship between our students and tutors. We always ensure we talk through work with each student, give them the support they need and break it down for them. Seeing them progress and making a difference in their lives is fantastic.

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It’s great to help students build towards something so that they can achieve. We’re a close knit team that support each other no matter what, even the new staff feel like they’re part of our family. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”

“” At YMCA Key College we work with students who struggle in mainstream schools.

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KC BUILDING BETTER OPPORTUNITIES, MONEY SORTED PARTICIPANT

KC is an artist and a volunteer at the Museum of Making and the Hope Centre in Derby. Natasha, a Money Sorted Personal Navigator at YMCA Derbyshire works with KC on financial wellbeing. After a relationship breakdown I spent three years at a Christian Ministry. After leaving there I stayed with family for a while then moved into my own place in supported housing. I got myself a job at Bombardier doing panel wiring, I was working nightshifts seven days a week but because I was living in supported housing it affected my benefits and I had to leave. Before I knew it I was up to my eyes in debt – rent, council tax, everything went up. I’m still paying off the arrears now - all because I got a job. When Covid-19 hit, I lost my job and had to go back onto Universal Credit. There was a delay and mix up with this which meant months later they came back to me saying that I owed them. I lived for quite a while on £30 a week so I could just pay it off. I may be poor but I have self-respect. I felt as though I was punished for going into work – I worry about it happening again. Tasha, my Money Sorted Personal Navigator at YMCA Derbyshire, would contact people to sort out my rent arrears, benefit overpayment, council tax and universal credit. We kept in touch over the phone every week during lockdown. Tasha also put me in touch with the Museum of Making in Derby. I’ve been volunteering there since April. She told them I was a painter and an artist and they called me to say that they needed help finishing painting 30 Rams for the Derby Ram Trail. We painted them day and night. I’ve really enjoyed it. 19

My Grandchildren walk around Derby and point out that I painted them. My favourites are the Egyptian design and the Crown Derby Ram. I feel valued at the museum and it’s good fun. Tasha tells me feedback from the museum is that they are really happy to have me there and that they’re really pleased to have me on the team. I live in town so I get to meet and talk to a lot of people and see their responses to Derby itself not just the Ram trail. I get a general feeling of what Derby is. There is calmness in Derby, a certain kind of peace about it; I can’t pinpoint what it is. I’ve been here since 1971 – I was born in Kenya. People in Derby are generally very cordial. I volunteer at the Hope Centre, my Church is just across the road. You become part of the community. I’ve learned through the scriptures not to be negative. The future? I am always going to be an artist; it’s something that will never fade away. YMCA Derbyshire is a delivery partner on the Money Sorted in D2 N2 project. The project helps people with money management and supports them to improve their financial wellbeing. It is part of the Building Better Opportunities programme that is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund.

“” There is a calmness in Derby, a certain kind of peace about it.

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Matt Matt is Community Connector and part of our Health and Wellbeing team. He works with community groups and charities to create projects which aim to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Before Covid hit we had four Community Hubs up and running. They were places where people could gather and create companionship. We’d host a monthly community meal that provided a free or affordable meal and we were just starting to grow the hubs then Covid hit and completely shut everything down. My role changed entirely – more to being a provider for the community. We were overwhelmed with generosity of donations from local people and business. We created food parcels for people who had to isolate – it was hard to keep count of how many parcels we made, probably thousands. We also started cooking hundreds of meals a week to give to people who were shielding. We were the only people they saw – some didn’t have internet or a phone so we were a beacon of hope. We kept in touch with as many people as we could, did phone companionship and wrote letters. When you see people breaking down in tears of joy that they have something to feed their kids is truly moving. To live in the UK in 2021, a very rich country, you don’t expect the poverty to be so rife and it’s heart-breaking. Some households had tins of beans for Christmas dinner. When the schools were shut – some parents couldn’t feed their kids three times a day because the schools used to provide it.

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It’s been a very difficult and stressful time but I’m fortunate to be a representative of YMCA Derbyshire that gives this provision back. It’s so refreshing that there is so much good happening in the city. Unfortunately it has taken a pandemic to truly showcase what‘s going on. There is always more to do – you can’t rush anything, although I have a lot of ideas. There are still people who are really lonely, socially isolated, and need companionship more than ever because of what’s happened. It’s a real opportunity to start a fresh and create community. There are a lot of people desperate to get out there again but there are also a lot of people who are afraid to step out of the house. The slightest thing could be a set back – people have lost family during lockdown. We’re really motivated to start this up again. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I had always wanted to be PE teacher but it wasn’t meant to be. YMCA Derbyshire provides a platform for you to learn and express yourself – if you have a good heart and want to give back, if you have a skill or talent to share we are a platform for you to do that. We want more people out there to volunteer – I want to learn off other people.

“” YMCA Derbyshire provides a platform for you to learn and express yourself.

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Sam Morgan SUPPORTED HOUSING MANAGER, YMCA DERBYSHIRE

YMCA Derbyshire has 195 units across the city and county, providing a safe front door for those experiencing homelessness. There are many facets to my role as the Supported Housing Manager here at YMCA Derbyshire. When I came for my interview I was bowled over by how warm and professional the team were and was struck by the supportive and encouraging atmosphere right away. I am privileged to be the manager of an amazing team who are dedicated and committed to making a difference to young people’s lives. The team strives for positivity and growth everyday. I am immensely proud of them and the young people we support.  I have worked in the mental health field for 10 years and use my skills when I trained as a psychotherapist to guide and implement a psychologically informed environment. This enables us to have a person-centred approach and allows us as a team to reflect, grow and challenge ourselves. The culture here is really open, friendly, and engaged. Everyone I’ve met has been so kind and friendly, but also so passionate and focused on making a positive change. Everyone’s working towards the same goal.  People are always striving for better, open to change, and coming up with new and bold ideas. YMCA Derbyshire is really keen to develop people in their roles, and I’ve been given lots of great opportunities; they definitely prioritise development and take it very seriously.

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During the pandemic, we recognised that young people would be struggling the most. Ultimately, our primary role is to support young people and although we couldn’t support them in exactly the same way when Covid-19 was at its peak, we were still able to talk to them about their concerns and fears and the impact on their mental health and wellbeing. I think that this was incredibly important for young people during the time of uncertainty.  We had to prioritise and tailor our support whilst trying to keep everyone we accommodate safe. Understandably, the whole YMCA family, staff and residents alike, were concerned about Covid-19 and what this meant for them and their loved ones. If you are after a job where the days whizz by in the blink of an eye and you feel as though you have made a difference when you go home, YMCA Derbyshire is the place for you. I love my job and knowing that I am playing a small part in the organisational mission to end local homelessness motivates me every morning.

“” I am privileged to be the manager of an amazing team.

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Get involved We love collaborating, and we can always make good use of an extra pair of hands, new skills or expertise, or a different perspective. There are many ways to get involved: Sponsor a move-on pack for one of our young people, supplying essentials like a kettle, pots/pans and bedding to set them up for independent living. Fundraise through one of our annual events or get creative and set up one of your own. Volunteer your time through our iVolunteer programme or mentor scheme. Visit one of our Community Cafés for a bite to eat prepared by one of our residents or students. Join the conversation through connecting with our social channels.

Find out more

Thank you!

www.ymcaderbyshire.org.uk YMCA Derbyshire YMCA Key College @YMCA Derbyshire @keycollegeymca @YMCAYKidz @YMCADerbyshire @ymca_derbyshire

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Where to find us The Campus 770 London Road, Derby, DE24 8UT Osmaston Rd Campus for Training & Education 118 Osmaston Road, Derby, DE1 2RD Ilkeston Campus for Training & Education Rosscarberry House, 4 Coronation Street, Ilkeston, DE7 5QH Chesterfield Campus for Training & Education Ashgate Manor, Ashgate Road, Chesterfield, S40 4AA Claude’s Café Marble Hall, 80 Nightingale Road, Osmaston, Derby, DE24 8BF

Charity number: 1049904