My name is Donna Cowling ...

I am 35 years of age and have lived at the YMCA hostel in The Walk for nearly a year. Before I came to the hostel I had had my own tenancy, but had suffered a very scary burglary which left me too frightened to go back there. When I left I spent 2 nights literally on the street. I had never slept (if that’s the right word) on the street before and even though I’ve been no angel myself in the past, I was terrified of being out and on my own.

Someone I saw told me I could have the emergency bed at the YMCA for one night. I was told I couldn’t have the room until after 5pm so I walked to the hostel and sat around all day just waiting. The staff were lovely to me – I know why they have the 5pm rule and it was OK because at least I knew I’d be sleeping in a bed that night. The next morning as I was leaving I was told to see the Housing Officer who interviewed me for a permanent room and then, to my absolute relief, told me I could move in straight away.

Being in the YMCA has been good for me. I have had a lot of support from everyone there. All the staff teams are great – the place is really clean and although it would be great if all the rooms had a TV or radio, I’ve been really grateful to be here. I’ve had my own support worker and it has been helpful that I have regular appointments with her. I’m the sort of person who pushes my problems away until they become overpowering and then I usually do something stupid. Being able to talk things through before they get overpowering has helped me deal with them. Since being at the hostel I have done quite a lot. I’ve done the Gate course to improve my confidence, and I’ve recently joined in a digital storytelling course. I attend the DFL drop in regularly and join in with what I can. I’ve done all I can to apply for my own place and now I’m waiting to move out. I would eventually like to go to college to train in hairdressing and beauty.

The YMCA has really helped me. Some people complain about things, but some people will moan about anything. I think it’s really good here.