YMCA Cheshire was delighted to contribute to the Crewe and Nantwich Summer School 2026, an initiative organised by Connor Naismith MP and his team to give young people meaningful insight into public service, charitable work, community engagement and the issues affecting local communities.

Held at the Guy Harvey Youth Club in Nantwich on Wednesday 22 July, the session brought together nine young people aged 16 and over from across Crewe and Nantwich.

Facilitated by two of our Housing Coaches, Mark and Amy, the interactive workshop encouraged participants to look beyond common assumptions about homelessness and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.

Understanding YMCA Cheshire’s role in the community

The session began with an introduction to YMCA Cheshire, including the organisation’s history, purpose and role within communities across Cheshire.

Participants were invited to share what they already knew about YMCA before learning more about the range of services the organisation provides to young people, adults and families.

The discussion helped broaden their understanding of YMCA Cheshire beyond its buildings and services, showing how the organisation works alongside people to help them overcome challenges, rebuild confidence and move towards greater stability and independence.

Exploring the realities of youth homelessness

Through an interactive “Pack a Bag” activity, the young people were asked to consider what they would take with them if they suddenly had to leave home.

The exercise prompted thoughtful discussions about the difficult choices, uncertainty and emotional pressures that can accompany homelessness.

Participants explored:

• what homelessness can look like beyond sleeping on the streets;
• different forms of homelessness, including hidden homelessness;
• common misconceptions and negative stereotypes;
• the barriers faced by people without a safe and stable home; and
• how Housing Coaches support people to rebuild confidence, stability and independence.

The conversation also examined the help available to people who may be approaching a housing crisis. This enabled the group to understand the importance of early intervention and how access to compassionate, practical support can help prevent difficult circumstances from escalating.

Helping young people recognise their power to create change

The discussion connected the realities of youth homelessness with YMCA’s wider #BuildingFutures campaign, which calls for more genuinely affordable and supported homes for young people across England and Wales.

Participants learned that a safe home is about far more than bricks and mortar. Secure and affordable housing can provide the foundation a young person needs to protect their health, continue their education, sustain employment, rebuild relationships and plan confidently for the future.

Katie’s story helped bring this message to life. After growing up in a home marked by instability and chaos, she received support from YMCA and was given a space of her own.

Over time, that stability helped Katie rebuild her confidence and prepare for independent living. She has since moved into a one-bedroom flat, maintained employment, strengthened her relationship with her mother and experienced a significant improvement in her mental health. She is now looking ahead with hope and aims to save for a home of her own.

Her experience demonstrated what can happen when a young person receives the right support at the right time. Young people are not defined by homelessness or housing insecurity; with stability, encouragement and opportunity, they can regain confidence, develop independence and build brighter futures.

Participants were then encouraged to consider their own role in creating change. They explored how using their voices, challenging harmful stereotypes, sharing accurate information and influencing decision-makers can help ensure that people facing housing insecurity are treated with dignity rather than judgement.

Developing the skills needed for independence

The second part of the workshop focused on “Finding Independence” and explored the practical skills and decisions involved in maintaining a home and building a secure future.

The group discussed financial literacy and budgeting, managing competing priorities and responsibilities, making sustainable choices and developing confidence and resilience.

These conversations helped connect the realities of homelessness with the everyday demands of independent living. They also demonstrated that independence is not simply about having somewhere to live; it requires practical knowledge, emotional resilience, guidance and access to trusted support.

The session concluded with a group reflection and question-and-answer discussion. Participants were invited to identify something they had learned that had changed their perspective and to consider how young people can contribute to stronger, fairer and more inclusive communities.

The group was extremely engaged throughout the workshop, contributing thoughtfully to the activities, asking questions and sharing their perspectives.

Reflecting on YMCA Cheshire’s contribution, Connor Naismith MP said:

“It was wonderful to see YMCA Cheshire engage so positively with the students and facilitate important discussions about the realities of youth homelessness, finding independence and how young people can create change within their communities. The students thoroughly enjoyed the session and were inspired by the experiences and advice shared.”

Inspiring conscientious future leaders

For YMCA Cheshire, participating in the Summer School provided an important opportunity to raise awareness of its work, challenge negative perceptions of homelessness and help young people better understand the experiences of those who access support.

It also reflected the organisation’s wider commitment to helping young people develop confidence, empathy, social awareness and the ability to participate meaningfully in their communities.

By creating space for open and respectful conversations about real social issues, initiatives such as the Crewe and Nantwich Summer School can help young people become more informed, compassionate and conscientious future leaders.

Mark and Amy thoroughly enjoyed facilitating the session and engaging with such an enthusiastic and thoughtful group of young people.

YMCA Cheshire would like to thank Connor Naismith MP and his team for inviting the organisation to contribute to the 2026 Summer School. We are also grateful to the team at the Guy Harvey Youth Club for their excellent coordination and for the warmth, support and hospitality extended to our colleagues from the moment they arrived until the close of the day.

We wish Connor Naismith MP and his team every success as they continue creating opportunities that broaden young people’s understanding of community life, inspire public participation and support the development of conscientious future leaders.

Work with YMCA Cheshire

YMCA Cheshire welcomes opportunities to work with schools, colleges, youth organisations, community groups and local partners to raise awareness, challenge stigma and help young people explore issues including homelessness, independence, resilience and community participation.

To learn more about YMCA Cheshire’s services, discuss a potential partnership or find support for a young person, please contact us at info@ymcacheshire.org.uk