YMCA Exeter: Changing Rooms, Changing Lives

For over 170 years, YMCA Exeter has been supporting disadvantaged communities across Devon, particularly those now who are affected by homelessness.

This year the charity, which covers Exeter, East, Mid and North Devon, is launching a new fundraising campaign in order to radically transform the communal spaces shared by residents at its house on St David’s Hill, Exeter, as well as generate funds to help offer additional support services to those in need.

The ‘Changing Rooms: Changing Lives’ campaign has been spearheaded by the charity’s Fundraising and Engagement Manager, Bethan Spencer, to try and capture the imagination and support of local people.

Bethan explains: “Young people become homeless for a whole range of reasons. Whether having left situations of domestic violence, foster care or family breakdown, young people living at YMCA Exeter have not only a safe place to call home, but also a comprehensive package of personalised support to equip them with the skills they need to live independently and achieve sustainable employment.”

For many, the 31-bed house will become a sanctuary where they can, for the first time, begin to rebuild their lives. Whilst a fantastic facility, the interiors are dated and struggle to create a warm, welcoming haven – something in greatly needed by those using our facilities.

Naomi Cleaver, best known for presenting various Channel 4 programmes including Other People’s Houses and Grand Design: Trade Secrets, has been connected to YMCA Exeter for a number of years – even sleeping rough during the charity’s annual Sleep Easy event in 2013 and admits to a spell of homelessness herself – has volunteered her services to help transform the space.

“Engaging with residents to find out how they would like to use the space is vital”, says Naomi.

“Many, if not all, will be entering their new home having probably gone through some trauma or stress and it is essential we create the right environment for those seeking refuge and a space to rebuild their lives.”

With a high volume of people using the residence every year, Naomi states the challenge will be crafting something that suits everyone.

“It is imperative to gain the feedback of those living and using the space. Even though there will be a mix of opinions, I am confident we can work together to create something truly fitting and appropriate for the young people living here. I am really pleased to be working with YMCA Exeter again and cannot wait to see results and the positive impact the transformation has on residents. I hope local people and the professional community get behind the campaign and help make a difference to young peoples’ lives.”

The second part of the campaign, inextricably linked to the first, is the initial and on-going support offered to those in touch with the charity.

Bethan further explains, “An injection of funds means we will be able to positively impact more people’s lives. Throughout the past few years of austerity economy, YMCA Exeter has gone from strength to strength whilst others have been forced to cut back services for vulnerable people, including those helping homeless young people.

"The pressure on public finance isn’t going to go away in the foreseeable future, so if we want to live in a city that enables those at the bottom of the pile to turn their lives around and have fulfilling and positive lives, the support of the business community is vital. No-one living at YMCA Exeter wants to be a burden on society; they all want to work, to contribute, to have a safe secure place to call home.

"We want to be in a place where YMCA Exeter can keep turning young lives around, with or without the support of government finances. After several years of hard work, we are nearly there and with your support for Changing Rooms, Changing Lives, we can achieve our goal."

If you’ve been inspired by this story and want to get involved visit http://ymcaexeter.org.uk/changing-lives or if you would like to make a donation visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/YMCAChangingRooms