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I spent 6 months living in the ymca, ask me anything

10 replies

Newname101 · 20/07/2018 12:12

When I was 18 I was homeless and spent 6-9 months living in the ymca until I could afford to private rent a room in a house. I completed my a levels and worked a couple of jobs
Ask me anything

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DoubleHelix79 · 20/07/2018 12:33

What sort of people did you meet while living there? What were the main reasons they were staying there?

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WhatCanIDoNowPlease · 20/07/2018 12:38

Why were you homeless?

You mention A levels, were you still at school?

Were there staff there all the time?

Did you tell your friends you were living there?

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Newname101 · 20/07/2018 12:46

I met all sorts, age group 16 to around 25. Some were using it as a stepping stone to being self sufficient and some were a waste of space who got chucked out.

My parents asked me to leave home. I needed somewhere to sleep. Apparently I was a difficult teenager.

I had 2 terms of a levels to complete so I did what I could around work etc. My grades weren't the best but I got into my back up uni and rejoined life with everyone else. My friends at the time knew, now I don't share the information.

There was always staff on site, you get used to it. My room was locked and I only had a couple of thefts of stuff.

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nothingontv · 20/07/2018 13:09

Was it really scary when you first went there? Do you need to pay to live there? What did u do at uni?

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Newname101 · 20/07/2018 13:11

It was scary to live there at first, and yes there is a cost to live there. I got some benefits but because I worked at weekends I had to pay something myself.

I did business at uni and now have a successful job in a multi national.

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nothingontv · 20/07/2018 14:15

Did u feel resentful towards you parents for putting you out and do you have a relationship with them now? If so, do they feel guilty or are they apologetic for making you live in such a place

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Newname101 · 20/07/2018 14:28

Good question. I have a good relationship with them now, we've never really discussed those few years and it's a while ago now. I am completely independent and not good at trusting people. I do have an excellent dh that appreciated my independence and doesn't try to change me. I worried about being a mum and I think I'm over protective on my dc, I spoil them a lot.

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WhatCanIDoNowPlease · 20/07/2018 16:06

When your children are the age you were then do you think your 'good relationship' with your parents will change?

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FetchezLaVache · 20/07/2018 16:08

Did you have any contact with your parents during your time at the YMCA?

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Newname101 · 20/07/2018 16:18

I had some contact with my parents but not much, I didn't have any help for example.
I don't know about the future but I guess our relationship will stay the same as I'm not one for looking backwards, and I'm in a good place now.