Junaide's Story

Life Skills and Support: Junaide Ahmed’s Journey with YMCA

For many young people, the transition to independent living can be both exciting and overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider, from managing household bills to furnishing a new home. Junaide, a former resident of YMCA Green Lane in Walsall, shares his journey and how the support he received has helped him build a solid foundation for his future.

Learning the Realities of Independent Living

Living at the YMCA provided Junaide with valuable insights into the financial responsibilities that come with independence.

“From living at the YMCA, I have learnt about bills to consider when living fully independently and information on stuff nobody really speaks about, like council tax, water rates, etc.”

These are areas that can often be overlooked, but understanding them early on has helped Junaide feel more prepared for managing his own home. While he already had some practical skills before moving into the YMCA, his time there helped reinforce what he knew and introduced him to new financial considerations.

The Importance of Budgeting and Saving

Looking back, one thing Junaide wishes he had done differently was to save more and budget his money better. The reality of moving out meant encountering unexpected costs, many of which can be overwhelming for a young person making this transition.

One of the biggest challenges he faced was the number of bills that needed to be paid all at once upon moving into his own flat. Essentials like flooring, furniture, and kitchen appliances quickly added up, making it difficult to manage expenses.

How the Moving Forward Fund Made a Difference

The Moving Forward Fund, a YMCA initiative designed to support residents as they transition into independent living, was a lifeline for Junaide. He used the fund to purchase a washing machine, which allowed him to focus on other essentials for his new home, such as bedroom furniture, flooring, and kitchen accessories.

“Using the Moving Forward Fund to get a washing machine allowed me to focus more on the flat and what was needed. Having this fund and picking a washing machine has helped me massively when needing to wash my clothes for work and activities I do throughout the week.”

With so many financial obligations hitting at once, having one less worry made a significant difference. Junaide was particularly surprised by the high cost of flooring, something he hadn’t anticipated before moving out. The financial support from YMCA ensured he wasn’t starting from scratch without essential home appliances.

A Bright Future Ahead

Junaide’s experience highlights the importance of financial education and the role of supportive initiatives like the Moving Forward Fund. Through his journey with YMCA, he has gained invaluable knowledge about managing bills, budgeting, and making informed financial decisions.

His story serves as an inspiration to other young people preparing for independent living, showing that while the journey may have challenges, the right support and resources can make all the difference.