YMCA Norfolk opens new office in Yarmouth

2010:  YMCA Norfolk has opened a new office in Great Yarmouth, closer to the centre of the town, to provide better facilities for clients and staff.

 

Under the care of Yarmouth sub-regional manager, Mary Ives, the team has moved from its former premises at the St James Health and Resource Centre to a new base on North Quay.

 

“We have moved closer to the centre of the town as it is much easier for the young people to find us and the office offers much better facilities for the staff as well as the clients,” said Mary.

 

“Our work in Yarmouth is mostly with young people aged 16-17 who are homeless. We have 26 bed spaces funded by Supporting People. However, the need has proved greater than this. We also take referrals from Children’s Services, and we have a new assessment scheme currently funded by Great Yarmouth Borough Council which enables young people to be given accommodation when referred to us.

 

“Up until recently they had been placed in B and Bs, some of which were totally unsuitable. Now we are able to take them in and find them somewhere to stay until they can access the funding. The number of young people doesn’t seem to be falling and we currently have 33 young people on our books,” said Mary.

 

“The reasons they have become estranged from parents are various, but they are usually hurting deeply from broken relationships. Not only do we offer them a roof over their heads, but we also offer them support to get their lives back on track. We hope that after they have spent time with us, they will be ready to move on to independence.

 

“We help them to manage their budgets, learn about healthy eating and cooking for themselves. We encourage them into training and link with many different agencies to provide a good network of support for the young people.

 

“We also continue to informally help and support some of the young people who have moved on to their own flats. They will come to see us and discuss their situations, and we are always ready to lend a listening ear to them.

 

“While there are young people in need in Yarmouth we need to be there to help, support and advise them – our work is important and relevant in the town. We are looking to recruit more lodging providers to help us in this work.”

 

Among those who are being helped to change their lives are friends Eliott Wicks and Daniel Woolston, from Gorleston. Both have been placed with support families after having problems at home and are being helped to find permanent accommodation.

 

Eliott, 16, said: “I am still in touch with my family and have learned a lot and am taking more responsibility for myself. The YMCA has given me the opportunity to meet and relate to other in a similar position.”

 

For more information contact the office at 64 North Quay on 01493 854162.