West London YMCA - Stacy's Story

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West London YMCA - St Christopher's, Hanwell

Stacy's story I came to live at St Christopher's in March after running into a few problems with friends, family and health. I was living in Slough, near Windsor. I had two jobs and was renting my own flat. Then I started experiencing back pains and eventually lost both jobs and started having problems with my mother and grandmother.

Having back problems and your family not helping was hard so the only people I could rely on were my boyfriend, my father and stepmother.

I was put forward to St Christopher's by the London Borough of Ealing. Now I have moved away from most of my problems I can feel the change and I feel a lot happier in myself. I can concentrate on myself and getting my life back on track.

Since moving into St Christopher's I have met so many people. I feel there is always someone to talk to and to help out with any problems that you may have.

The support that I have received has been excellent. I have had so much support; finding a GP, chasing benefit claims and anything else I may need. West London YMCA even gives you support in college courses or training courses to further your education.

It has made such a difference in my life. It just shows that anything is possible and it gives you a positive perception on life. I am likely to be here another six to seven months, as I have to concentrate on my back getting better. I hope to find myself a job that I enjoy doing and to rent a flat with my boyfriend, eventually taking out a mortgage.

The YMCA can make such a difference to a young person's life. I just hope the message comes across correctly. If you think the YMCA can change your life like it did for me - don't think twice - just grab it with two hands.

Stacy, 20