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YMCA Brunel Group: Our work in Bath
6 September 2024
For many young people, the risk of homelessness can come suddenly, whether from a family breakdown, financial struggles, or other personal challenges.
At YMCA Bath, we believe no young person should face homelessness alone. That’s why, through our Platform for Life program and other crucial services like Nightstop and Daystop, we’re creating a safety net that offers both emergency help and long-term support to 18-24-year-olds in Bath and North East Somerset.
Platform for Life: Building Stability and Independence
The Platform for Life program is at the heart of our work, offering young people facing homelessness not just accommodation, but a chance to thrive in a safe, friendly, and supportive environment. We provide accommodation for up to two years in shared houses where every young person has their own private room, while sharing communal spaces with 3 or 4 housemates.
The stability of a secure home allows young people to focus on important life goals, such as working, studying, or training. This program is designed to empower young people to build independence while living in a supportive community with others who are on a similar journey. Located across Bath and North East Somerset, our homes are close to key amenities, making it easier for residents to access education, employment, and local services.
In Bath, Platform for Life is just one part of our comprehensive approach to tackling homelessness and providing support for young people.
Nightstop: Emergency Accommodation
For young people who need immediate help, our Nightstop program offers emergency, short-term accommodation with trained host families. It’s a lifeline for those who have nowhere to turn, providing a safe, welcoming place to stay at a critical time.
Each host family provides a young person with a safe bed for the night, a hot meal, and a compassionate ear. If a host family is not available or suitable for a young person, we have two emergency beds located in our YMCA Bath Hostel. This temporary solution ensures that young people don’t have to sleep rough while we work with them to find more stable housing options. By giving young people the space and security they need during a crisis, Nightstop offers them a much-needed respite and a path to longer-term solutions.
By providing these immediate housing options, we aim to ensure that no young person in Bath is left without a safe place to turn, no matter how urgent their situation.
Daystop: A Safe Space with Support and Advice
In addition to emergency and long-term accommodation, YMCA Bath also offers the Daystop service—a vital resource for young people in need of guidance, support, and a safe, warm space to spend time during the day. Through Daystop, young people can access a wide range of services and resources, including:
- Job hunting assistance: We help young people search for job opportunities, prepare CVs, and even practice interview skills.
- Financial advice: From learning how to pay bills to budgeting and managing personal finances, we offer practical advice to help young people become financially independent.
- Mental health support: We recognize the emotional toll that housing insecurity and other challenges can take on young people. Daystop offers a space where they can seek advice on mental health and well-being, and access further support if needed.
- General life skills: From understanding tenancy agreements to cooking on a budget, we provide support and advice to help young people navigate adulthood.
Daystop is a crucial part of the wraparound care we offer, ensuring young people not only have a safe space to stay but also the practical tools and emotional support they need to succeed in life.
A Holistic Approach to Youth Homelessness
At YMCA Bath, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to build a better future, no matter their circumstances. Through our integrated services—including Platform for Life, Nightstop and Daystop—we provide immediate shelter, long-term accommodation, and essential support to help young people overcome the challenges of homelessness.
By combining emergency interventions with long-term housing solutions and practical support, we empower young people to regain stability, build independence, and break free from the cycle of homelessness.
How You Can Help
Our programs rely on the generosity of the community to continue offering these life-changing services. Whether through donations, staying in our hostel, joining our gym, or simply spreading awareness, your support can help ensure that every young person facing homelessness in Bath and North East Somerset, and our other areas of work, has access to the resources they need to turn their life around.
If you want to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people, consider getting involved with YMCA Brunel Group today.