Our Stories

Abbie first joined our holiday club during school breaks before progressing to weekly youth clubs, group workshops, and activities. When Abbie first arrived, she lacked discipline, struggled with social skills, and often became overly excited, leading to arguments with peers.

As a child, Adam was diagnosed with a speech disorder that continues to impact his confidence today. His stutter worsens under stress, making communication challenging and sometimes leading to feelings of isolation.

As a young carer, Aoife faced significant challenges while balancing her responsibilities with personal ambitions. In 2021/22, she was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, which presented additional hurdles.

At just nine years old, Bethany has taken on a caring role that would be overwhelming for any adult. She looks after her elderly grandmother, who has suffered two strokes in the past year, significantly impacting her mobility and fine motor skills. With limited support from other family members, who all live outside of Birmingham, Bethany has had to shoulder immense responsibility.

Connor’s early years were marked by instability and rejection. Until the age of eight, he lived with his mum, with no contact with his dad. However, shortly after his eighth birthday, his mum decided she no longer wanted him in the family home and sent him to live with his dad. This arrangement was short-lived, as his dad, eager to start a new life with his girlfriend, also decided Connor could not stay. He was sent to live with a family friend, but after six months, he was moved again—this time to the friend’s mother.

Jack is a dedicated college student, but his responsibilities go far beyond the classroom. As a caregiver for his mother, who suffers from severe mental health challenges and chronic pain, he faces obstacles that many of his peers do not.

When Luke first sought support, he was shy, reserved, and unsure about how to pursue his career goals while caring for his mother. Despite having a structured routine, he felt his dreams were on hold, uncertain if he could manage both his chosen career and his caregiving role.

Sadiq was 19 years old when he moved into a room at YMCA Sutton Coldfield in 2022. He needed somewhere to live and study after he fell out with his dad. He found out about our supported housing when he met Charlotte, a Lead Worker for our Young Carers service, at a drop-in session she held at his school’s sixth form. Sadiq is a hardworking, intelligent young man who just wanted a safe place to live and concentrate on his studies.

When James first joined the club, he sometimes struggled with the new environment and became overwhelmed and frustrated. It was an adjustment for him. James was going through some changes in his personal and school life at the time as well, but he continued attending the youth club and started to develop some meaningful friendships.