“I fled the war in Sudan in 2016. It was not safe for me to live there anymore with all the violence that was happening. When I came to Gloucester I found myself homeless. After a short period of time living in NASS (National Asylum Support Service) accommodation and spent my time sofa surfing before moving...
I came to YMCA Cheltenham in June 2017. When I arrived I was on probation and a suspended sentence and on a compulsory order to engage with the drugs and alcohol services. My life was pretty messed up, I had lost everything including my dog and I won’t lie to you the idea of coming...
Being a young girl of 18 and homeless did scare me, not knowing what was going to happen. This wasn’t the first time I became homeless and the thought of going back into a B&B again wasn’t an option. I was stuck. The embarrassment of my situation made me hesitant to tell anyone, let alone...
Kicked out of home at 17, Simon* had to deal with the harsh reality of being homeless and spent a night on the streets before being signposted to YMCA Cheltenham. He was still at school, studying for his A-levels. "My situation was desperate and I moved into YMCA straight away and was given a housing...
At 16, Tom* left home following a relationship breakdown with his parents. He was homeless, getting into crime and doing “stupid stuff”. He moved constantly and, in his own words, he “lost his head for a time”. He decided he wanted to move back to Cheltenham as he was feeling lost, away from his friends. ...
I arrived at the YMCA following the breakdown of a long-term relationship. I had lost everything – my home, my job, my best friend – everything that I had worked towards. I had even lost my confidence. When I first arrived at the YMCA, all I needed was a bed and a roof, a safe...
Thursday 12.30pm - 1.30pm Why not come and join one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK? A slower-paced version of the beautiful game, walking football is designed for the over 50s and ensures that just because you may not be as mobile as you once were it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy...
Martial arts are not just all about kicking and punching. An excellent form of exercise they also help develop strength, dedication, confidence, builds character and most of all are great fun! Our qualified instructors have years of experience and provide a safe and welcoming environment to learn, train and improve. YMCA Cheltenham currently teaches Karate...
YMCA Cheltenham Sports Centre is the ideal place for a game of badminton or table tennis with its well lit hall with plenty of run off around the courts. Classes We run a number of classes for our members to attend for badminton, table tennis and short tennis. The Sports Centre is also home to...
YMCA Cheltenham has an exciting range of classes for the over 50s – Energyse. Our aerobics classes are tailored for the over 50’s to be low impact and work on mobility, flexibility and exercises that are functional and help out in everyday life (activities of daily living). Delivered by our qualified instructor classes are structured...
