YMCA

Watch Michael’s Full Video Above

In 1989, Michael Hallissey found himself in an unexpected and difficult situation. At just 21 years old, having recently arrived in Leicester from Essex, Michael’s life took a sharp turn. He faced a combination of personal setbacks and growing challenges, ultimately leading him to a place of vulnerability—living in a night shelter.

After some time, Michael realised he needed to change his life. He took a leap of faith and turned to the YMCA for support. The transition wasn’t easy; he was young, struggling, and unsure about his future. But the YMCA gave him the stability he desperately needed, offering him a place to live and a sense of belonging that had been missing from his life.
At the YMCA, Michael found more than just shelter; he found a community. He spent six months there, during which he began to rebuild his life. He became involved in activities, helped set up social events like video clubs and football matches, and even became a source of support for others who were struggling. The YMCA gave him the foundation to find his feet, gain independence, and ultimately, to begin to look ahead.

One of the key turning points in Michael’s journey was his involvement in the YMCA’s Euro Cross event. It was an opportunity for him to connect with people from around the world, share experiences, and see the wider world beyond his own struggles. This experience had a lasting impact, shifting his perspective and inspiring him to pursue a future in which he could give back to his community.

As time passed, Michael started to build a career. He worked in various roles, including in bars and nightclubs, but it wasn’t until he found his calling as an Employment Support Specialist with the NHS that he truly discovered his passion for helping others. He worked closely with people facing mental health challenges, offering the same kind of support he had once received at the YMCA.

Michael’s story comes full circle: he now supports individuals who are facing similar difficulties to those he once experienced. Through his role at the NHS, he has been able to create opportunities for people, offering a hand up when they need it most.

Looking back, Michael credits the YMCA with giving him the stability, support, and sense of belonging that allowed him to grow into the person he is today. It’s a story of resilience, transformation, and the power of community—proving that sometimes, a helping hand can change the trajectory of a life.

And as Michael continues to give back, his story remains a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of the YMCA and the importance of providing support to those in need.

Read the FULL Impact Report here: https://bit.ly/417KIQ7

Watch Ruby’s Full Video Above

Ruby’s life took a transformative turn when she found YMCA Leicestershire. Once a resident after becoming homeless, Ruby has come full circle, returning as a Transitions Coach. Her role is to help others who are where she once was, guiding young people through their challenges, providing a listening ear, and offering real hope.

I was working full time, then I was made redundant and being so young, I had nowhere to go. I was a child living in an adult’s world and I didn’t have the greatest of family backgrounds. In all honesty, my story was like an episode of ‘Topboy’. I was on the streets, just out there trying to survive; get a roof over my head and bread and water in my stomach.

And who wanted to employ somebody that was homeless and had no qualifications? Moving into YMCA brought with it consistency and stability and that’s what changed for me. I can categorically say that if it wasn’t for staff there, Paul & KC, I definitely don’t know who or where I would be.

Returning to YMCA Leicestershire as part of the staff team felt natural. Who else can give back? Who else can do it? Unless you’ve been there… You know the dark times, the dark feelings and the dark places. You know what it’s like not to want to wash, not to want to get up. To know that you’ve got somebody on the team that’s been through that – not just read the books, studied it, that’s why I want to be there. I want these young people to see, ‘You know what? There is hope at YMCA and there’s definitely hope after it.’

I’m currently developing a YMCA football team, we run training sessions every week and I also work closely with Leicester City in the Community. I want to give these young people something else to get up for, they need a positive way to let off the steam and built-up frustrations. We did a five-a-side tournament at West Ham Stadium and we’re taking our residents to Seagrave for another tournament shortly. I’ve also just been accepted to take on the London Marathon next year and will be running it in support of YMCA.”

Read the FULL Impact Report here: https://bit.ly/417KIQ7

Tag: y theatre

Meet Michael: A YMCA Full Circle Story

Meet Ruby: A YMCA Full Circle Story