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Support Us

Support young and vulnerable people within your community by donating to YMCA St Paul’s Group.

YMCA St Paul’s Group (SPG) is a charity and registered housing provider whose mission is to be an inclusive Christian Association transforming communities so that all young people can belong, contribute and thrive.  As a member of the wider YMCA Federation, our vision is of places where young people thrive and communities flourish.

We believe that everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become. There are essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home; acceptance; guidance; friendship; physical and mental health; academic support; employment skills; and access to real opportunities. Many young people have never known these things; other people have lost one or more as they grew up, but we all need them.

We need your support to provide these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.

Thanks to your support, in 2023-2024, we’re proud that

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People called YMCA St Paul’s Group their home.

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Youth work sessions were delivered to young people across London.

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Members of the local community accessed our Health and Wellbeing Services

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Meals were served to our Residents across our sites

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Counselling sessions were delivered by our Release Counselling team to our local community.

Amy’s story: Starting a new life

Amy (not real name) came to the YMCA and relapsed with an addiction a few times. She started to engage with the Progression Team and felt safe enough to open up and be honest about her addiction. Amy started to get involved in various activities at the hostel, including helping others learn to play the guitar and support with the Community Kitchen. When she decided to move out, she was starting a new full-time job with an offer of accommodation and had been alcohol and drug free for over 2 months despite having been through a big crisis. She is now also able to support her daughter. 

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Henry’s story: Healing from trauma

Henry (not real name), a resident of six months, was referred for counselling by his Housing & Support Officer. Henry had recently begun to share trauma they experienced prior to living at the YMCA. His sleep is impacted by nightmares, they are lethargic, and they are anxious when they go out in the local community.

Initially Henry was distrustful of their counsellor. They were often late to the session to begin with and were reluctant to talk about what had happened in the past, uneasy about how this will help and concerned it will make things worse. Over time Henry began to open up about what had happened.

Henry began to think about going to college, fearful of failing and it was not working out. The counsellor and Henry looked at ways to help him feel this is possible, and manageable. As the sessions came to an end Henry was able to share that he is still impacted by the assault, but realise he is not to blame. He has been able to share his feelings of anger, shame and sadness about their parents and he is now exploring the way to go to college with his Housing & Support Officer.

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Make a donation today to expand our impact even further!


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