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YMCA stride on for new look
A GROUP of homeless young people are stepping out towards independence by organising a sponsored walk to raise funds to re-decorate their common room at the YMCA in Goole.
They have just received a brand new kitchen courtesy of Howden Kitchens and now want to bring the rest of the communal living area, at the Edinburgh Street facility, up to the same standard.
The 16 - 25-year-olds are to complete a six-mile walk across the Humber Bridge and around the nearby nature park next Friday and would like to hear from anyone who would like to support their efforts.
Julie McLaughlin, one of four housing support officers at the YMCA, said the residents and staff were thrilled with the new kitchen.
"It seems a shame now for the common room to look so shabby next to it now. It needs upgrading by re-decorating, new carpets and new sofas.
"It is really encouraging that the residents have chosen to do this for themselves.
"They want to make their surroundings better and are prepared to make the effort to do something about it."
This was, she said, all part of the process of moving on from their current situation and improving their lives.
"All the 18 residents are homeless and in a vulnerable situation in some way. The YMCA has 14 bed-sits, four move-on flats and an emergency room.
"Residents can spend up to two years here, during which time they receive specialist one-to-one help to move on in their lives and to help them to feel a part of society."
Help included signposting residents to other agencies who could help them with a variety of issues, including education or employment, as well as help with confidence building. When residents did move on to become more independent, they also received resettlement help and support for a while afterwards.
Julie said that while at the YMCA, one of the stipulations for the young people was that they had to engage with a move-on programme and show a determination to improve their lot.
"By organising the fundraising day next week, the residents have shown they want to do something for themselves and it is very heartening," she said.
Anyone who would like to sponsor the group, either for doing the walk, or by the donation of items for the common room, can contact Julie on 01405 780578.
"We would all like to thank Howden Kitchens for their wonderful donation, too," said Julie.
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Weather for Goole
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
