Youssef’s Story

From Military Service to a New Start

After serving ten years in the military, Youssef was medically discharged. He was diagnosed with PTSD and other health issues. Not long after, he lost the flat he owned and became homeless.

A chance meeting with someone from the British Legion changed the course of his life. A volunteer helped Youssef find places to sofa surf for a month, before helping him secure a place at YMCA. He spent 2–3 weeks in the old YMCA hostel building before moving into our new supported housing, just weeks before the country went into lockdown due to COVID-19.

His first few months at the YMCA were not easy. He found it difficult to relate to other residents and understand their struggles. But gradually, he found a sense of purpose by running PT and fitness sessions with other residents. It gave him structure and helped ground him.

Staff support was key. “Mark being ex-forces himself really got me. Emma, my keyworker, was like mum.”

As Youssef began to settle, his confidence and focus grew. He made quick progress, driven by lessons he had carried with him from his military days.

“Something the military always said was, ‘Stay low, move fast’ which helped me in my journey here. By stay low, I tried to stay humble. And moving fast meant making quick progress and not wasting time.”

Youssef is now thriving. He is married, owns his own home again, and runs his own business.

“YMCA is amazing. People don’t realise how fortunate they are to be here. They are surrounded by people who actually want to help them.”

“Just one call away and you’ll have a staff member there and ready to help you.”