I had no idea what I wanted to do when I came back to Doncaster. My confidence had been shattered and to be honest I thought everyone was looking at me and calling me a failure or a drop out.

Stephen grew up in foster care from the age of 6. His foster family were caring and supportive and gave him the best life they could. He had all the things most other kids had, a good education and food on the table. After school Stephen attended College and following that, he went to university to study Aerospace Technology.

The first year of university was great, but the second year was difficult for Stephen. Following a complaint he made about a lecturer, Stephen didn’t feel comfortable and began struggling with his mental health. He left university and moved to a different town to study engineering, but his depression only increased.

Stephen began drinking heavily to hide his depression. He knew that it was a cycle he shouldn’t get himself in to, but it numbed his emotions and he thought it helped him cope.

Stephen battled with his mental health and decided to return to Doncaster. He applied to live at YMCA Doncaster and Stephen was supported by his Keyworker to stop drinking and access mental health support.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do when I came back to Doncaster. My confidence had been shattered and to be honest I thought everyone was looking at me and calling me a failure or a drop out.”

To build his confidence his Keyworker suggested volunteering at YMCA Doncaster’s Charity Shop. Stephen’s confidence grew and he has now secured himself employment with a local distribution centre. He will shortly be moving in to his own private rented flat.

“I’m not sure what I want to do career wise in the future, but I am happy just to be living again.”

If you think you have what it takes to help young people who are vulnerable and homeless in Doncaster then please click here for information about vacancies on our staff team.