Our Impact

Katie is a local 18 year old in full-time education at college studying to become a nursery nurse. Usually a high achieving student, the college noticed a change in Katie’s behaviour. Normally a very resilient and focused person, the combination of living in chaotic and often difficult family circumstances combined with a difficult break up with long term boyfriend proved just too much for her.  She began to revert to some old coping mechanisms which she had overcome in the past. These patterns were extremely physically, mentally and emotionally harmful. The college alerted Social Services, who in turn approached YMCA Somerset Coast for assistance. A safety net was immediately established, and Katie was moved to the accommodation at the Beach Hotel in Minehead to give her some security, stability and support while she pieced her life back together.

With dogged determination on her part and with the assistance of support staff, Katie dragged herself out of the abyss. Katie took all the help she could get as she battled her demons and she has settled into her self-contained bedsit at The Beach.  Katie had been awarded a bursary due to her attendance and commitment to her studies and in ten months she has not just caught up with all of her college work but achieved it at a very high standard. Katie has found herself a part-time job, which she does alongside a summer placement at the crèche at Butlins. She has started taking driving lessons and has saved enough to book a holiday abroad for later in the summer.

Katie had been able to get her life back on track and once again is bright and positive about the future. She is focused on getting into university to take a teaching qualification. K has found a place in the hearts of the YMCA support staff, who witnessed her resolute determination to recover and they are very proud of her.

Andy was bought up in a stable and functional family environment, however he began to suffer from behavioural difficulties. By the age of 14 he was taken into care as his family could no longer cope with him. He found himself regularly in trouble with the police and was in and out of court and subject to several exclusion orders. Andy’s temper, frustration with life and disruptive behaviour blighted him throughout his adolescence. He embarked on an apprenticeship in the building industry, however, this failed to engage him and it soon came to an end.

Andy became interested in catering and took up an apprenticeship at the newly reopened Beach Hotel with YMCA Somerset Coast. After 9 months he had completed less than 5 months of his course work and although having found a vocation that had caught his attention, he continued to be dogged by his frustration and temper.

At this point the Beach Hotel had a staffing restructure and a permanent Head Chef employed. Where many employers would have dropped Andy from an apprentice programme having demonstrated such poor performance and disruptive behaviour, the YMCA steadfastly refused to give up on him, despite regular visits from court officials and police officers.

Chef quickly realised that although Andy responded badly to being told what to do, he responded very well when he understood why he was doing something. By investing time in concentrated one to one tuition Andy quickly flourished. It also became apparent that he excelled under pressure. The more demands and responsibility that were placed on him the more he rose to, and mastered the challenge. Andy was soon able to take sole charge of managing the main courses, the most demanding aspect of being a chef in a professional kitchen. Here was someone who was no longer disfunctional, he was in fact, exceptional. Andy caught up 7 months of coursework in 3 months, passing all elements, and on completion of his apprenticeship he received 3 job offers within 24 hours.

Andy started work as a Commis Chef in a Michelin graded hotel in Scotland. He has since been promoted to Chef de Partie due to his ability to excel under pressure and produce consistently high quality food.

The Beach Hotel is a unique operation, offering a demanding front facing service to the public that aspires to the highest standards, yet at its core is the mission statement to be a transformational agent in the lives of young people who need that little bit extra nurturing and investment.

Tom had been in care since he was 14, often in trouble with the Police and regularly in court due to his disruptive behaviour. The YMCA gave him accommodation at the Beach Hotel and took him on as an Apprentice Chef. With intensive one to one support, Tom gradually turned his life around.

It transpired that Tom thrived in the high-pressure environment of the kitchen, he was no longer disruptive, he was in fact exceptional. He is now a Chef at a Michelin graded restaurant.