Tony, 44
So my Question to you is this: What does 'Christian
Faith in Action' mean to you? I'll tell you what it means to
me, Tony. It means love, Care, support, empathy, It means everyone
should be given a second chance despite race, colour, religion,
lack of religion or sexual orientation. It means someone like me
coming from a background of children homes, prisons, homelessness
and drug addiction can be given a second chance to make something
of their life. To be a father to my children, a son to my mother
and father, a brother to my brothers and sisters, it allows me to
become a productive member of society once more. All this and so
much more has been given me with the love and support of the
Bournemouth YMCA.
I first arrived inBournemouthhaving just completed another
prison sentence where I was given the opportunity to go to a
treatment centre to take yet another look at my drug addition and
the inner workings of my mind, all other attempts had failed. In
fact I had failed at all most everything I set my hands to in life.
My life was a mess and it never looked like getting any better. I
completed my six months in the treatment centre and was faced with
what to do next, back toLondonand drug addiction or try something
different. I tried something different, I tried the YMCA where I
was loved back to life and given a second chance to make something
of my life. I was given a set of keys to my room and a great relief
came over me, I haven't had a set of keys before and this wasn't
lost on me. In that moment I felt empowered and trusted.
In the two and a half years since having the backing of the
YMCA, I have managed to educate myself at college, obtained jobs,
been responsible for my own clean time and sobriety, and I am now
finally ready to move into my own flat with my two children. I
could not have done this without the YMCA's encouragement and
support.
'Ben', 40
Having lived a life of crime and addiction for twelve years and
after becoming a father in that life, it was pretty obvious that
I'd managed to make a mess of my life.
I knew that it was time to ask for help. I always knew that but
I never actually did ask for help. I knew that I couldn't change me
by myself. By the grace of God I was given a chance to go into
detox followed by a drug and alcohol treatment programme.
After six months of doing this it was time to go back into the
big wide world that I had just ran away from. This is where the
YMCA came as another blessing from God for me. I came into the YMCA
and it was my home for the following fourteen months. In that time
I received continuous support from staff and residents. I was given
a chance to reintegrate into life slowly. Part of that was taking
on volunteering roles in the kitchen and gym.
Having built up a good support network, I moved out of the YMCA
into my own accommodation. I now work in the gym as a relief
instructor, and I still volunteer in the kitchen on Sundays. The
YMCA is still home from home to me and I stay in contact with the
staff, in particular my keyworker. Staff are still ready to help as
and when I need it.
I can honestly say I do the best I can as a father. I see my
daughter once or twice a month. I no longer use drugs or commit
crime, which is an absolute blessing.
I hope to do a Level 2 Fitness and Instruction course through
the YMCA, and through that gain a job in the fitness industry and
move on with my life."
Karen, 43
My name is Karen and I am originally from London. I have two
grown children and a baby granddaughter who still live in
London.
I came to Bournemouth in November 2008 to a treatment centre
after being in a detox centre for six weeks. I have been an
alcoholic for many years and also dependant on drugs such as
valium, cocaine and crack for twenty years.
I left treatment after six months and came to the YMCA in May
2009 to start my new life. I love it here in the YMCA! I have
support with day-to-day issues, and it is something that I need. I
go to college and volunteer for the Prince's Trust. I never feel
lonely here and there is a diverse group of people that live here -
a variety of ages and different walks of life. There is always
someone to have a chat and a laugh with.
The YMCA has plenty of activities from football the Women's
Nights. It is a place where I feel supported and has helped me stay
clean: thirteen months now without any substances. The YMCA is a
stepping-stone for me for when I get my own place. I am and will
always be grateful to this place, and all the people who live and
work here.
Tony, 40
'YMCA' is a name I shall remember for a long time to come. I
move here over a year ago. I was not happy to end up in 'another
hostel', after I spent the hardest three months of my life in
'another' institution.
But this was the best thing that has happened to me. Very
quickly after I moved in, I realised that there was a lot of love
and support in this place. And, being a Christian organisation, I
was meant to be here, I believe, to start growing and growing
up.
I am never alone in this place, there is always someone to talk
to.Even when the staff have got their own stuff to deal with some
times I was never turned away.
I came here as a broken boy, afraid, lost, with very low
self-esteem. A year alter in this place, with all the help, love
and support, I've changed so much. I've grown a lot and become a
much better person. I even like myself today, and am happy being
'me'!
I shall always thank god for placing me here to start my life
again.
I am able to be a good son, brother, and uncle to my loved ones,
a good friend to me friends, and a lovely person with all the
people that I get in contact with in my daily life.
By the grace of God I shall continue growing every day. God
willing.
God bless you YMCA, and everyone in it.