Former resident shows her thanks to YMCA Trinity Group

Rhiannon Fox was a resident at our Parent and Child Provision in Ipswich for four years and collected the Youth Matters National Award which we won for our Easy Peasy Pods Accommodation Project before leaving us in August 2018. With the help and support she received, Rhiannon managed to turn her life around and now has her own place to live, a job and is studying for a degree.

“I lived at YMCA for two years before and after having my son, Isaac. My mental health was really poor at the time and I required a lot of support from the engagement officers whilst I was there. They were always around for me and helped me through some of my darkest periods. With their support I got into education when my son was only a few months old and encouraged me to take part in social groups they held. This got me out of my comfort zone and out of my shell and allowed for that all important socialisation for Isaac in his early years.

Whilst living at the YMCA I got my Access to Higher Education diploma in Science and have gone on to university where I am currently studying a bachelors in Adult Nursing! I still require support with my mental health but the Engagement officers at YMCA Trinity Group really instilled in me the importance of asking for help when it’s needed.

I can’t thank them enough for everything they did for me; including helping me to find our first flat and also when both of us were sick. They really went above and beyond!

I’m happy to say that we are now living with my soon to be wife and I am employed and studying. I’ve never felt so productive in my life and I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t lived at YMCA. Their support was invaluable to me.

I still work with the YMCA as a company on a voluntary level, as a part of a team of young adults that have worked on projects like I Am Whole and such, it feels good that I can repay them in this small way.”

We love hearing such positive feedback from the people we have helped. It’s wonderful how Rhiannon has also returned as a volunteer to help those who now need the support she received. We wish Rhiannon all the best with the future!