One resident recently shared feedback following their time in our Safe Accommodation Service. This is part of their story.

“One of my guardian angels sent the YMCA into mine and my child’s life. The YMCA moved us from the hotel we were placed in to their safe accommodation, and that was the first time I’d felt safe in years. They sent a taxi for us to go in and got us everything we needed when we got there. Everyone working at the YMCA showed warmth and compassion towards us. Our accommodation was spacious and great in every way, on a quiet road in a great area of Liverpool.

A and M were our support workers and these two were the most significant part of our time there. They listened, supported and loved in a way that exceeded their job roles.

I was completely lost and depressed when we first moved in, going through the motions but struggling with everything I was dealing with. I can’t imagine that time without A and M, they were like mothers, sisters and friends to me in the depth of their support but always extremely professional and knowledgeable.

They arranged for me to have sessions with AM (the Assistant Psychologist), these sessions helped me immensely, AM always felt like a safe space and gave me so much hope.

It’s funny when I speak to people about this time, people expect a year in a refuge to have been a horrible time but it was the best year of my life up until that point.

A huge highlight was the YMCA community garden/farm in Garston, the people who worked there were so lovely and the activities and events they put on for us were fantastic and joyful. I couldn’t think of a better place than there for healing and connecting.

I am forever grateful to the YMCA for the way they supported us in a way no one else in our lives could, I have tried to show this through my drawing…

A and M wrapping my child and me up in love and carrying us to the next stage of our life, with lots of cups of coffee along the way! I can’t speak highly enough of my experience.”

At You Matter, we know support goes far beyond housing alone. It is about showing up, listening and helping people feel safe during some of the most difficult periods in their lives.

Stories like this are a reminder of the importance of compassionate, person-centred support and the difference it can make when people feel genuinely cared for and understood.