Episode 4. Homeless to Hopeful, YMCA South Midlands: Mission For Young People

About this episode

Dean Jones interviews Simon Green about his experiences and the mission of YMCA South Midlands in supporting young people facing challenges like homelessness and addiction.

Charity Stories from Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast In this episode of Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast – What’s Your Why? , Dean Jones speaks with Simon Green , Chief Executive of YMCA South Midlands , about the raw personal experiences – a close friend's time in hostel accommodation over 20 years ago, and the devastating loss of someone dear who lived there and died from addiction – that drove him to dedicate a significant portion of his life to supporting young people and helping them to make a fresh start. Simon opens up on the brutal intertwining of poor mental health, addiction and isolation that traps young people, and how YMCA MK works alongside them to build new starts – the unvarnished stories of lives turned around, second chances seized, and the quiet dignity of giving someone the shot at life they deserve. It's a story laced with resilience and determination, but also the high stakes, relentless stress and profound rewards of leadership when the stakes couldn't be higher. Real talk for charity leaders, local decision-makers and funders who want to grasp what it truly takes to stand with young people on the brink. Listen on all major platforms – Spotify, Apple Podcasts…

People in this episode

Host: Dean Jones

Guest: Simon Green

Topics covered

• homelessness
• youth support
• mental health
• addiction
• charity leadership

Keywords

• YMCA
• charity stories
• resilience
• leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Products: YMCA South Midlands

Books & works: Homeless to Hopeful, Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast, What’s Your Why

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