Sadiq’s Story

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.

“I moved into the YMCA at Sutton Coldfield on the 11th February 2022. For the very first time I found myself living alone in a totally new environment. I didn’t know what to expect at first but after spending about a year and a half there, I can say it was a great experience for me.”

Sadiq wanted to work while living at the YMCA. We helped Sadiq to claim Universal Credit with Housing Benefit and supported him to report a change of circumstances once he found a job.

Sadiq attended residents’ social evenings, interacting and building relationships with support staff and other residents. He developed his independent living skills to the point where he was able to move into student accommodation at his university where he’s studying Architectural Technology.

“The accommodation was perfect. I had help from the staff all the time and they organised activities to help us socialise more and just have fun. Overall, I would say I had the greatest time living at the YMCA.”