Chance to support YMCA Norfolk in youth awards
YMCA Norfolk has been nominated for its projects, individuals and the whole organisation in the national Youth Matters Awards and are asking for your support to help them to make the finals.
The awards showcase the outstanding achievements, inspiring feats against adversity and tireless dedication to creating change of YMCAs across England & Wales.
YMCA Norfolk said it is absolutely thrilled to have three projects, two individuals and our local YMCA through to the public vote semi-finals! "We’d love to see all our nominations make it through to the final and to celebrate the impact our incredible colleagues, volunteers and service users have made across Norfolk," it says.
YMCA Norfolk has been a pillar of support within our communities across Norwich, Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn. Last year, we supported more than 21,500 individuals and provided 382 young people with a safe place to live.
The Professional Therapeutic Pathway (PTP) is a waitlist initiative that connects young people across Norfolk who are currently awaiting mental health support, with vetted, licensed therapists who can begin providing support imminently.
Since beginning in July 2023, PTP (pictured above) has received over 300 support, with the vast majority being successfully allocated to therapists. Many young people the project supports have previously been on a waitlist for up to 2 years prior to a referral to PTP, yet through this intervention have waited on average only 2 months from referral to their first therapeutic appointment. Some young people have been able to have their first appointment within 1 week of their referral.
The transformation seen in some of the young people’s lives has been unparalleled. PTP has seen young people who previously faced significant distress, manifesting in an inability to leave the family home and with limited verbal communication, become confident enough to hold sessions during walks and open up about their past trauma, including experiences of homelessness and prolonged separation from a parent. Over the course of their sessions, they displayed noticeable improvements in their mental health and wellbeing, achieving milestones once thought impossible.
Young people feel seen and heard through the holistic approach PTP takes, putting young people at the heart of the decision-making process. Feedback from young people and their families have included “you made me feel everything was normal you came in and just started painting with me. You gave me the space to be me” and “When we left he said he felt so light and like he was flying“
The Umbrella Service is a key housing provision within YMCA Norfolk. They provide accommodation for single parent families (of all genders), with access to 24-hour assistance alongside intensive family support in both Norwich and Great Yarmouth for up to two years.
The E-Learning Service (ELS) is a unique online-based education service that provides bespoke provision for individual students based on their learning needs, ability levels and school course.
Young Campaigner Jess Marriott has been key in amplifying youth voices and advocating for the needs of young people both as a resident and as a YMCA Youth Ambassador.
Young Volunteer Ruth Vaughan has championed the mission of YMCA both locally and across England & Wales as a Youth Ambassador.
You can read about all the nominations here and vote for them.