This week, we were pleased to welcome Jo White MP to our Workshop Housing accommodation this week for a tour and in-depth conversation about the work we do at YMCA Robin Hood to support local homeless in Worksop.
The visit came about following the explosion on John Street back in April. After reaching out to Jo’s office for information on the local response – her team expressed a keen interest in learning more about our work and the wider challenges facing the supported housing sector.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to showcase our accommodation and discuss the day-to-day support we offer our residents. Jo was engaged and insightful, taking the time to understand not only the services we provide but also the complex issues that many of our young people face -such as barriers to independent housing and the need for stronger local partnerships.
We also explored the challenges our team navigates when helping residents transition into more permanent accommodation, and the importance of continued collaboration between housing providers, local authorities, and other community organisations.
Speaking on her experience of the visit, Jo shared:
“It was positive to witness firsthand that the focus of the YMCA is on changing lives for the better for some of our most vulnerable young people, from providing temporary accommodation to confidence building and independence. I support their ambition to provide the stepping stones to a better and more fulfilling life.”
A huge thank you to Jo and her team for taking the time to visit and listen. We look forward to building on this relationship to further champion the needs of those experiencing homelessness in our community.