Norwich civic honour for YMCA volunteer Matt
 Matt Godfrey was once living rough on the streets of Norwich, but now he has received a Civic Award from the city’s Lord Mayor for outstanding voluntary service with YMCA Norfolk.
Matt was living out on the streets until former YMCA Norfolk chief, John Drake, persuaded him to come into the YMCA on St Giles and take up residence. Since then, his life has literally been turned around.
The 43-year-old now gives his time as a volunteer to help some of the YMCA residents move forward with their lives, stepping in whenever assistance is needed, any day of the year, including Christmas Day.
He has had to deal with alcohol and depression difficulties and was a resident at St Giles before going on to get his own permanent home. Now he wants to “give something back” and has helped hundreds of young people over the years with paperwork, applying for housing, offering a confidential ear and freeing up valuable time for support staff.
“The person who helped me out was John Drake who got me in to the YMCA,” said Matt. “The work they did gave me a different perspective on life. I suppose when youngsters turn around and say to me 'you don't know what you're talking about, I can say 'been there done that, got the T-shirt'. I feel overwhelmed that people put me forward.”
YMCA Norfolk Resettlement Officer, Denise Hunter, said: “Matt Godfrey is a hidden gem. He has demonstrated total commitment, integrity, reliability and attention to detail. He is a loyal supportive member of any department that is lucky enough to benefit from his time and effort.
“An eldest child, Matt was put out of the family home at age 16 and had to find his way alone. He grew up in a system without the help for young people that is on offer now. Due to his experiences he can empathise with many of our young men and women who find themselves homeless and can appreciate the difference a helping hand can give. His aim is to give the support that was not there for him at that age.
“Matt has helped hundreds of young local people over the years; with paperwork, applying for housing, offering a confidential ear and freeing up valuable time for support staff. The needs of the service users are always priority for Matt," said Denise.
"The way that he works and conducts himself he embodies the aims and purposes of YMCA Norfolk - equal value of all persons, respect and freedom for all, tolerance and understanding between people of different opinions and active concern for the needs of the community.”
Matt was among around 20 adult volunteers who were presented with certificates by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Eve Collishaw at the annual Civic Awards Ceremony, organised by the city council, which celebrates the very best work carried out by volunteers who freely give thousands of hours of their own time to help people in Norwich.
Councillor Collishaw paid tribute to all of the winners: “The volunteers are absolutely vital,” she said. “We all recognise your great commitment, support and dedication to helping everybody in Norwich.”
City council leader Steve Morphew said: “It's about people who selflessly given their time and energies to making the city what it is. People come in to this for all sorts of different reasons and it's quite remarkable to get a fleeting glimpse into people's lives and find out what motivated them to get involved.”
Max Pooley, assistant civic support officer at Norwich City Council, said the awards were about giving ordinary people a chance to shine.
Pictured above is Matt Godfrey receiving his Civic Award from Norwich Lord Mayor Eve Collishaw.
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