“If it wasn’t for Colchester YMCA and the commitment of their staff, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” (Former tenant Greg, on a visit to YMCA Essex to invite staff to his passing out ceremony having completed army training)
YMCA Essex has a 44-room supported housing unit in Colchester. We house young people aged 16-25, supporting them to ensure that they will become responsible adults, working or in education/training, who are able to maintain a tenancy and look after themselves when they leave YMCA. The residents are able to stay at the YMCA for a two year period, and after support and training we successfully move them on to independent living.
If you need housing…
YMCA Essex takes referrals through the Colchester Joint Referral Panel.
If you’re aged between 16 and 24, homeless or vulnerably housed and need supported housing, which could include moving in to YMCA Essex, please contact Colchester Borough Council Housing Advice or Colchester Youth Enquiry Service.
Our tenants say…
“You have all been so lovely, helpful and kind! Without most of your support I probably wouldn’t have been able to get where I have. I will remember everything each and every one of you has done for me!” (Paris, former resident)
“I am very happy with this opportunity in which the YMCA has given me. If I wasn’t living here, I don’t see that I would have got the same chance on my own.” (Molly, former resident)
“Thanks Colchester YMCA, I now have my own place, a puppy and soon work as an art teacher volunteer. You mean a lot to me, I hope you’re all ok and I will visit. You all helped me.” (Sara, former resident)
Tenant Participation
Residents’ meetings take place as and when required. We discuss any issues they have, and organise activities, such as things they would like to do, or any ideas they have for YMCA. These meetings have resulted in the pool table being re-covered, a paint colour chosen for the crash room, voluntary work for young people being started in the CO1 café, a boat painting project being started, and a new basketball and hoop purchased for the young people.
We have also introduced ‘Activity Wednesdays’, where we arrange to have cooking lessons based on whatever the young people say they would like to learn to cook and allows everyone to spend time together as well as teaching them valuable cooking skills and healthy eating. Wednesday’s can often consist of games and craft nights – whatever the young people choose to do.
If you would like to know more, please contact Sophie Mattei.
Email sophie.mattei@ymcacolchester.org.uk or call 01206 579415.
