The Big Give is the UK’s largest match funding platform and our 2024 our project has a matching pot of £10,500. Every donation in the campaign week will be doubled until the matching pot runs out!
Transforming our overgrown and disused garden will create a safe haven for our residents to learn skills, craft, grow food and socialise. We will inspire our young people to co-create and look after the green space, that will become thriving habitat for people and nature into the future.
Thanks to our incredible supporters who helped us raise more than £10k over our target! Thanks to our all important match funders; Pukka Pies, Appello and The Reed Foundation. We also couldn’t have done it without Parallel Office and Document Solutions, Westerby, Rock Kitchen Harris, PA housing, Unity, Pilon, Synergize, Aaron Services and West Wallasey. Once again the pro bono graphic design work of Stocks Taylor Benson was superb!
Young people’s lives are on hold due to a lack of appropriate places to live, even when they are ready to move on from YMCA. There is a housing problem in Leicester; high demand for council housing, unaffordable private deposits and discrimination. Not only does this act as a barrier to transition for residents ready to take the next step towards independence, it also means that our supported housing cannot help others in crisis.
All young people deserve a fair chance to set up a home and live independently when they are ready. We have created a deposit bursary fund, which is breaking down the barriers to private rented accommodation for residents who are ready to move on from YMCA Leicestershire. This means we can help those who have been waiting the longest for a fresh start, some around 2 – 3 years. This is freeing up spaces for other young people in crisis to access our supported housing.
Every resident who secures a home is supported through advocacy with landlords, help to set up bills, transportation of belongings and referrals to support services such as poverty relief funds. They also have practical help to create a homely environment including a starter pack gift of essential items such as toaster, kettle and kitchen utensils.
Our amazing Transitions Coaches continue to support and advise young people after they have moved as it’s really important that they continue to have a trusted adult to help them navigate issues as they are living independently, often for the first time.
