Dear RoomSponsor,
My name is Aisha and I’m currently living at a YMCA. After a few difficult years, arriving here was my turning point. I want to thank you for all you do for young people as a RoomSponsor.
When I was growing up, I was an only child born into a Muslim family. I never really saw eye to eye with my parents. Ever since I was a kid, I felt that I didn’t believe in the same things as them.
It seemed that all my mum cared about was religion and marriage. This put a lot of pressure on me to think and act a certain way. It wasn’t until I was 18 and in university that I felt confident enough to tell her how I felt. She did not agree so it strained our relationship, and I felt very isolated from the person who was supposed to care most about me.
At first, being away from home at university was great. I studied biochemistry and met all different types of people. Unfortunately, I never finished my course because I struggled a lot with my health. Completing my uni work on top of this was making me very anxious.
At one time I was in A&E because of painful sensations I was experiencing across my body. I couldn’t explain them. I was feeling increasingly stressed about this, but I realise now the sensations could have been linked to my mental health getting worse.
I was later hospitalised for six months due to my mental health breaking down. Those months are like a horrible blur to me now. I was passed around between hospital staff, and just did as I was asked. I wasn’t in a fit state to think much for myself, so I just went through the motions.
It was around this time that I had found out about YMCA and their emergency accommodation. I was not on speaking terms with my family at this point, so I moved in here. When I first arrived, I was really scared. I wouldn’t talk to anyone. But the staff recognised that I needed some extra support. They’re always there to listen if you’re feeling low.
To begin with, my anxiety was so bad that I would freeze when trying to talk to people. Sometimes I physically couldn’t move. Thankfully my key worker would help to guide me away and calm me down. It was reassuring to see her and the other staff members each day. YMCA feels like a community in that sense.
Having a comfortable place to stay with a routine really helped me to get better. There is so much to get involved with here, like walking and gardening groups. I’ve learnt new skills, such as growing vegetables, knitting and crocheting. These hobbies have really helped to improve my wellbeing.
Today, I’m much more confident. Looking back at when I first came to YMCA, I’m like a different person. Now, I volunteer in an art gallery every week. I’ve even helped to run one of the YMCA community lunches, where I cooked chicken korma with rice for sixty people. I never thought I’d be able to do something like that.
My relationship with my mum is getting better too. I think she’s learned to enjoy my company more and to not talk about things that might trigger me.
So, what’s next for me? I’m working towards becoming more independent and have moved into YMCA accommodation designed to get me ready to move on from here. I still have a shared kitchen, which is nice because it keeps me socialising with other people.
I want to thank you for supporting YMCA as a RoomSponsor. Without people like you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Your kindness is transforming the lives of many young people, just like me. Thank you for giving us a chance.
Kind regards,
Aisha
YMCA Resident