We are The Y, a youth homelessness charity in the heart of Leicester. Watch our film to see some of our young people talk about their personal experiences with homelessness, and to hear about the vital work we do both in the local community and within the youth homelessness sector.
The Y has been supporting young people in Leicestershire for 135 years and currently houses 120 young people in supported accommodation each night. But that is not all… watch our video to find out more about The Y, and importantly, learn how YOU can help end youth homelessness here in Leicestershire.
We believe every young person deserves a home where they feel safe and supported. We’re proud that we’ve always been proactive in developing our work to reflect real needs but sadly we’ve seen a huge increase in mental health issues amongst young people this year.
Our specialist complex needs worker tackles some of the most distressing issues, which is helping to prevent recurring homelessness. We’re pleased to announce that Big Lottery Fund money will enable us to replicate this model across six other YMCAs in the Midlands from 2019.
You’ll hear from some of the young people themselves and find out about many other exciting projects in our first online digital report!
Paul Brown,Chief Executive
Ambition

119
young people across Leicester and Leicestershire registered with The Y exceeding our target of 100

106
young people were helped to find accommodation with 67% sustaining their tenancy for at least 18 months.

48
young people entered work with 44% sustaining at least 6 months in full time employment.

Support needs of Ambition clients:
- 80% had complex needs*
- 86% Substance misuse
- 80% Mental health issues
- 64% Offending behaviour
- *two or more support needs in addition to being homeless or at imminent risk of losing their accommodation
This three year project concluded in January 2018, having reached over 400 young people across the region. The project targeted homeless young people who were unable to access existing services, however they had a high level of complex needs. Once accommodated the young people were supported to access and sustain accommodation, work, education and volunteering opportunities.
These results are a testament to the support received from housing organisations including: EMH Homes, Waterloo Housing, Paragon Asra, Action Homeless, Exaireo, local housing authorities and The Bridge Housing Services (Loughborough).
In Partnership With :



Supported By :



Y Support

748
new clients this year, nearly 50% higher than last year

79
average individual visits per day, the majority between 8am – 10am.

63%
of clients are of no fixed abode (rough sleeping, sofa surfing or in squats)
The Y Support Project

Based within The Dawn Centre our day centre offers:
- Practical help for homeless adults aged 16+: breakfast, food parcels, showers, laundry, telephone, toiletries, clothes.
- Advice and support: personal development plans, financial management, tenancy rights and advocacy
- Intensive support around mental health or learning difficulties
- Groups and sessions including wellbeing, arts and Moneywise plus
Personal Development Plans
- 974 Personal Development one to ones took place over the year, helping clients to overcome multiple challenges and prevent the cycle of homelessness
- 87% of clients with a Personal Development Plan have achieved a big positive change in their motivation, self-care and living skills, relationships, emotional and mental health and management of their accommodation.
- 51 clients exited the service successfully usually moving into accommodation after a period of homelessness or stabilising their current accommodation.
Donations and Volunteering
The number of homeless people seeking help in Leicester has hugely increased yet our resources remain the same. Donations of money, food, clothes and toiletries make a significant difference to rough sleepers who need immediate help. We also provide the opportunity for clients to volunteer to help with breakfast, boosting self esteem.
Jason’s Story*

Recently Jason became homeless when his landlord removed him from his flat. Jason had been in prison on seven different occasions over the last 9 years, also experiencing a destructive relationship and issues with alcohol and substance misuse. He struggled to get the help he needed but The Y Support Project has helped to address his housing situation and much more. “The Y Support Project staff see me as a person, care about my needs and make me feel like I belong. I wouldn’t have made it through those difficult months without that bit of routine. The welcome of a friendly face that asks me how I am, a hot drink and a shower when I needed it. With their support and suggestions, I’ve registered to volunteer with Voluntary Action Leicester and hope to help people like me one day. I’ve attended a music workshop and learnt to play some guitar which I really enjoyed. I have also now just secured a bedsit and have my own accommodation once again. I’m determined that I will never be homeless again. The team saw past the alcohol and drugs and cared about what was causing it instead of blaming everything on it.” *Not his real name.
Jason’s Story*
Recently Jason became homeless when his landlord removed him from his flat. Jason had been in prison on seven different occasions over the last 9 years, also experiencing a destructive relationship and issues with alcohol and substance misuse. He struggled to get the help he needed but The Y Support Project has helped to address his housing situation and much more. “The Y Support Project staff see me as a person, care about my needs and make me feel like I belong. I wouldn’t have made it through those difficult months without that bit of routine. The welcome of a friendly face that asks me how I am, a hot drink and a shower when I needed it. With their support and suggestions, I’ve registered to volunteer with Voluntary Action Leicester and hope to help people like me one day. I’ve attended a music workshop and learnt to play some guitar which I really enjoyed. I have also now just secured a bedsit and have my own accommodation once again. I’m determined that I will never be homeless again. The team saw past the alcohol and drugs and cared about what was causing it instead of blaming everything on it.” *Not his real name.
Flat 108

28
young people benefited from Flat 108

436
hours of support given to 17 young people that completed their milestone assessments at 3 and 6 months.

12
school children in years 10 and 11 received one to one support


Each young person is supported to:
- Increase independent living skills such as travel, shopping and establishing routines
- Improve day to day decision making skills
- Improve social skills
- Be empowered to identify aspirations & opportunities for their future
Our dedicated transitions team use the fully equipped, self-contained flat as a base for delivering independent living sessions to young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Users of Flat 108 may also be vulnerable due to disadvantaged family backgrounds and risk of exploitation, bullying or coercion. We are pleased to report we are meeting our targets for numbers engaged and positive outcomes.
Simon’s Story*

Simon has an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and has difficulty making eye contact and communicating with people. His disability also means he struggles with certain noises and in certain places.
After working with the transitions team his confidence and ability have dramatically increased. Simon can travel around the local area independently, is able to budget and now attends college full time. Having met all of his goals, Simon is seen as a bit of a leader and can support others on their journey.
“When I first came, I could only make basic foods like sandwiches or microwaveable meals. Now I have learned so much about cooking full meals, shopping around for ingredients at the best prices. Flat 108 has given me the independence I need for everyday living.” *Not his real name.
Simon’s Story*
Simon has an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and has difficulty making eye contact and communicating with people. His disability also means he struggles with certain noises and in certain places.
After working with the transitions team his confidence and ability have dramatically increased. Simon can travel around the local area independently, is able to budget and now attends college full time. Having met all of his goals, Simon is seen as a bit of a leader and can support others on their journey.
“When I first came, I could only make basic foods like sandwiches or microwaveable meals. Now I have learned so much about cooking full meals, shopping around for ingredients at the best prices. Flat 108 has given me the independence I need for everyday living.” *Not his real name.
Finance

£2.7m
Turnover

£7,265
Cost to run the charity per day

£1,200
The Y’s annual cost for each young person living in a move on house
Our Funders








Future Projects

Could you provide a supportive home environment to a young person aged 16 - 17? If you live in Leicester we can provide training and pay up to £115 per week as a supported lodgings host. Get in touch keyproject@leicesterymca.co.uk

The Y will be leading on this 3 year, £707,500, Heritage Lottery funded project. It will engage young people through work placements and training, while heritage projects will benefit from a direct cash injection to develop innovative youth oriented projects.
Children’s Residential Services
We’re excited to announce we will be opening our first children’s home in Leicester in the Spring of 2019, to house up to three children between the ages of 7 and 18.
Theatre Feasibility Study
This study will look at the potential usage of the theatre and bar and how to maximise the heritage of the building, whilst boosting the flexibility of the space and improving the customer experience.
Regional Complex Needs
Big Lottery Fund has just awarded us £443k to replicate our complex needs model with six other YMCAs across the Midlands.